Denver vs. Charlotte: Which City Offers the Best Cost of Living for Remote Workers in 2025?
Considering a move in 2025?
Whether you’re a digital nomad, a tech professional working remotely, or a family looking to get more bang for your buck, choosing the right city can dramatically impact your lifestyle and savings. Two of the fastest-growing cities on everyone’s radar right now are Denver, Colorado and Charlotte, North Carolina—both offering unique vibes, growing economies, and attractive amenities. But which one delivers the better overall value based on living costs?
In this week’s cost-of-living showdown on CompaniesByZipcode.com, we’re diving deep into how these two cities compare across seven essential categories—from housing to healthcare and lifestyle expenses—so you can make the most informed decision about where to live, work, and thrive in 2025. You’ll also discover why these destinations top many “Best Places to Move” lists and what you can expect for a $3,000/month budget in each locale.
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Why Denver and Charlotte Are Trending in 2025
- Housing Costs: Rent and Home Prices Compared
- Grocery and Dining Expenses
- Utilities and Internet
- Transportation: Cars vs. Public Transit
- Healthcare
- Taxes and Local Fees
- Lifestyle Costs: Entertainment, Fitness, and Childcare
- What $3,000/Month Gets You in Each City
- Final Verdict: Which City Offers the Best Overall Value?
- Explore Your Zip Code at CompaniesByZipcode.com
- Coming Next Week: Coastal Living Showdown—San Diego vs. Miami
1. Introduction: Why Denver and Charlotte Are Trending in 2025
In 2025, Denver continues to shine as a tech and outdoor adventure mecca, favored by startups, digital nomads, and nature enthusiasts alike. With major tech companies expanding in the city and its surrounding suburbs, remote workers are increasingly choosing Denver for its blend of work flexibility and Rocky Mountain charm.
Charlotte, on the other hand, has transformed over recent years into a financial and tech-forward powerhouse. A major relocation hub from the Northeast and West Coast, Charlotte offers a lower cost of living and a fast-growing job market, especially for remote-friendly professionals and young families.
According to recent USPS migration data and Redfin’s buyer movement insights, both cities have seen significant inbound migration during the past two years. Charlotte, in particular, is drawing attention for its balanced blend of affordability and lifestyle, while Denver consistently ranks high for outdoor quality of life.
2. Housing Costs: Rent and Home Prices Compared
| Housing Metric | Denver, CO (2025 avg) | Charlotte, NC (2025 avg) |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $590,000 | $400,000 |
| Average Monthly Rent (1BR) | $2,050 | $1,520 |
| Average Monthly Rent (2BR) | $2,600 | $1,940 |
| Price per Sq Ft (condo) | $472 | $260 |
Monthly Housing Estimate:
- Single Person:
- Denver: ~$2,050
- Charlotte: ~$1,520
- Family of Four (3BR home rental):
- Denver: ~$3,400
- Charlotte: ~$2,400
Key Insight: If affordability is your top priority, Charlotte clearly comes out ahead, especially for families needing extra rooms. Denver’s housing is among the steepest in the Mountain West, though still more affordable than the coastal giants like Los Angeles or San Francisco.
3. Grocery and Dining Expenses
| Grocery & Dining Metric | Denver, CO | Charlotte, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Grocery Bill (1 person) | $370 | $340 |
| Monthly Grocery Bill (Family of 4) | $1,050 | $940 |
| Restaurant: Mid-range Meal (per person) | $20 | $18 |
| Cup of Coffee (avg) | $4.80 | $4.20 |
Monthly Estimate:
- Single Person:
- Denver: ~$520
- Charlotte: ~$480
- Family of Four:
- Denver: ~$1,380
- Charlotte: ~$1,220
Key Insight: While grocery and dining costs are higher in Denver, they remain reasonably close. Charlotte again wins on cost, especially when multiplied over a household.
4. Utilities and Internet
| Utilities Metric | Denver, CO | Charlotte, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity, Water, Heating (2BR) | $190 | $160 |
| Internet (monthly) | $70 | $65 |
Monthly Estimate:
- Single Person or Family:
- Denver: ~$260
- Charlotte: ~$225
Key Insight: Both cities offer reliable utilities, but Charlotte retains a slight advantage in everyday utility savings.
5. Transportation: Cars vs. Public Transit
| Transportation Metric | Denver, CO | Charlotte, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Transit Pass | $114 | $88 |
| Gas Price per Gallon | $3.85 | $3.50 |
| Avg Monthly Car Insurance | $130 | $110 |
| Traffic Score (1–10, lower is better) | 6.5 | 5.5 |
Monthly Estimate:
- Denver: ~$300 (car owner), $114 (commuter)
- Charlotte: ~$265 (car owner), $88 (commuter)
Key Insight: Charlotte’s lighter traffic and lower gas prices make it more car-friendly. Denver, while offering better transit infrastructure (light rail, buses), has longer commutes and higher costs.
6. Healthcare
| Healthcare Metric | Denver, CO | Charlotte, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Average Health Insurance Premium (Individual, 30s) | $450 | $420 |
| Doctor Visit (no insurance) | $125 | $110 |
| Annual Costs for Family of 4 | $12,200 | $11,100 |
Monthly Estimate:
- Single Person:
- Denver: ~$520
- Charlotte: ~$470
- Family of Four:
- Denver: ~$1,020
- Charlotte: ~$930
Key Insight: Charlotte healthcare costs are slightly more affordable, though access to high-end medical centers is more concentrated in Denver.
7. Taxes and Local Fees
| Tax Category | Denver, CO | Charlotte, NC |
|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 4.75% |
| Sales Tax | 8.81% | 7.25% |
| Property Tax (avg rate) | 0.49% | 0.77% |
Key Insight: While state income taxes are relatively close, Charlotte residents may pay slightly less in sales tax overall. However, property taxes in North Carolina tend to be higher than Colorado.
8. Lifestyle Costs: Entertainment, Fitness, and Childcare
| Lifestyle Metric | Denver, CO | Charlotte, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Gym Membership | $55 | $42 |
| Childcare (Monthly, Full-Time) | $1,200 | $950 |
| Movie Ticket | $14 | $11.50 |
Monthly Lifestyle Estimates:
- Single Person:
- Denver: ~$160
- Charlotte: ~$130
- Family of Four:
- Denver: ~$1,500
- Charlotte: ~$1,180
Key Insight: Childcare and entertainment can be sizeable expenses for families—Charlotte again offers savings that add up quickly.
9. What $3,000/Month Gets You in Each City
Denver, CO:
- Modern 1BR downtown apartment ($2,050)
- Groceries and dining (~$520)
- Utilities & internet (~$260)
- Occasional outings and gym (~$170)
Leftover: ~$0-50/month — you’d be financially tight as a single person.
Charlotte, NC:
- 1BR modern apartment in top neighborhood ($1,520)
- Groceries and dining (~$480)
- Utilities & internet (~$225)
- Occasional outings and gym (~$130)
Leftover: ~$645/month — more disposable income for saving or travel.
10. Final Verdict: Which City Offers the Best Overall Value?
While Denver remains a premium destination for outdoor lovers and tech professionals, Charlotte wins in overall cost efficiency—especially for remote workers, families, and those who value having extra cash at the end of the month. If your work is remote and you’re cost-conscious, Charlotte provides more breathing room without compromising on city culture or amenities.
11. Explore Your Zip Code at CompaniesByZipcode.com
Ready to see how your current location, or your dream city, stacks up? Visit CompaniesByZipcode.com to explore zip-code-specific data on housing, businesses, schools, and local economic indicators—essential tools to guide your next big move.
12. Coming Next Week: Coastal Living Showdown—San Diego vs. Miami
Crave ocean views, but not sure whether the West Coast or East Coast fits your budget better? Don’t miss our in-depth breakdown next week when we compare San Diego, CA and Miami, FL in our Coastal Living Showdown. From beachfront apartments to beachside coffees, we’ll dig into how far your money stretches in two of America’s most iconic coastal cities.
Stay tuned and subscribe for updates!
