Cost of Living in Colorado
Colorado has 34 cities with cost-of-living data on CompareLiving, drawn from US Census, BEA, HUD, and EPA sources. Prices range from Colorado Springs (cost index 96.8) to Boulder (99.9), with a statewide average around 98.4 versus the US baseline of 100. Median rent is lowest in Pueblo at $1,020/mo and highest in Erie at $2,775/mo.
Colorado at a Glance
Cities Tracked
34
with census data
Avg Cost Index
98.4
US avg = 100
Avg Median Rent
$1,793
per month
Avg Household Income
$101,311
annual median
Most & Least Affordable Cities
Most Affordable
| City | Cost Index | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs | 96.8 | $1,562 |
| Boulder | 99.9 | $1,924 |
Most Expensive
| City | Cost Index | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder | 99.9 | $1,924 |
| Colorado Springs | 96.8 | $1,562 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100)
Taxes in Colorado
State Income Tax
4.40%
Top marginal rate · Tax Foundation 2024
State Sales Tax
2.90%
Statewide base rate · local add-ons may apply
Popular Cities in Colorado
Colorado Cities — Full Table
Click columns to sort
| Denver | 713,734 | — | $1,770 | $586,700 | $91,681 |
| Colorado Springs | 483,099 | 96.8 | $1,562 | $420,700 | $83,198 |
| Aurora | 390,201 | — | $1,759 | $444,500 | $84,320 |
| Fort Collins | 169,705 | — | $1,661 | $548,400 | $83,598 |
| Lakewood | 156,309 | — | $1,746 | $548,200 | $85,789 |
| Thornton | 142,878 | — | $1,810 | $482,200 | $100,985 |
| Arvada | 122,835 | — | $1,802 | $600,800 | $113,396 |
| Westminster | 115,546 | — | $1,816 | $497,400 | $96,145 |
| Pueblo | 111,514 | — | $1,020 | $230,900 | $55,305 |
| Greeley | 109,421 | — | $1,333 | $369,600 | $68,650 |
| Centennial | 107,386 | — | $2,061 | $626,700 | $128,167 |
| Boulder | 106,274 | 99.9 | $1,924 | $982,600 | $85,364 |
| Highlands Ranch | 101,437 | — | $2,397 | $672,600 | $155,847 |
| Longmont | 98,958 | — | $1,755 | $541,400 | $89,724 |
| Loveland | 77,350 | — | $1,683 | $453,100 | $82,592 |
| Castle Rock | 76,614 | — | $1,946 | $621,700 | $143,031 |
| Broomfield | 75,110 | — | $2,074 | $631,600 | $121,025 |
| Grand Junction | 67,027 | — | $1,101 | $358,300 | $66,676 |
| Commerce City | 64,640 | — | $1,626 | $463,200 | $106,756 |
| Parker | 60,115 | — | $1,973 | $613,200 | $129,342 |
| Littleton | 45,092 | — | $1,731 | $596,700 | $96,611 |
| Brighton | 41,196 | — | $1,734 | $475,100 | $100,134 |
| Security-Widefield | 38,659 | — | $1,703 | $358,600 | $83,916 |
| Northglenn | 37,953 | — | $1,778 | $440,900 | $79,530 |
| Windsor | 35,918 | — | $1,780 | $562,300 | $121,758 |
| Pueblo West | 34,992 | — | $1,319 | $371,600 | $95,419 |
| Dakota Ridge | 34,159 | — | $2,103 | $570,400 | $120,368 |
| Englewood | 33,774 | — | $1,563 | $534,000 | $82,016 |
| Ken Caryl | 33,407 | — | $1,950 | $565,700 | $116,838 |
| Wheat Ridge | 32,158 | — | $1,493 | $584,700 | $87,598 |
| Erie | 31,927 | — | $2,775 | $685,900 | $163,644 |
| Lafayette | 30,471 | — | $2,042 | $647,600 | $110,431 |
| Fountain | 29,327 | — | $1,778 | $374,600 | $85,246 |
| Columbine | 25,681 | — | $2,391 | $590,600 | $129,480 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100) · Income & Rent = US Census ACS
Moving Guides Involving Colorado
Compare Colorado cities head-to-head
Use our comparison tool to put any two cities side by side. Or explore national rankings to see how Colorado cities stack up across the US. For example, Denver vs Colorado Springs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cost of Living in Colorado
What is the cost of living in Colorado?
The average cost of living index across cities in Colorado is approximately 98.4 (US average = 100), which is slightly below the US average. Median gross rent averages around $1,793/month and median household income averages around $101,311/year.
What are the cheapest cities to live in Colorado?
The most affordable cities in Colorado by cost of living index are: 1. Colorado Springs (index 96.8), 2. Boulder (index 99.9).
What is the median rent in Colorado?
The average median gross rent across cities in Colorado is approximately $1,793/month. Rent varies significantly by city and neighborhood — use the city profiles below for specific figures.
What are the income tax rates in Colorado?
Colorado's top marginal state income tax rate is 4.40%. This is the highest bracket rate; lower-income earners pay less. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
What is the sales tax in Colorado?
Colorado's statewide sales tax rate is 2.90%. Local city and county rates may add to this. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
Is it expensive to move to Colorado?
Colorado has a cost of living index of approximately 98.4 and average median rent around $1,793/month. It is generally more affordable than the US average, which can offset moving costs over time. Use our moving guides for salary equivalence calculations.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, Tax Foundation · Methodology