A
3%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
7%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Clifton Colorado National
Cost of living103115100
Groceries103104100
Health care106107100
Housing93136100
Transportation107106100
Utilities110108100
Lifestyle & Entertainment109107100
Household Items106105100
Education & Childcare112111100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Clifton, CO

The cost of living in Clifton affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Clifton is 103, which is 3% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

The cost of living in Clifton is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

Is Clifton Affordable?

Wondering if Clifton is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Clifton, for example, the median home price is 10.6% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 0.1% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Clifton boasting a median household income of $67,810, which is 16.6% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Clifton?

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Clifton, the transportation index is 7% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Clifton, the housing index is 7.4% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Clifton are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Clifton is 11% lower than the Colorado average
  • The cost of living in Clifton is 3% higher than the national average
  • Clifton housing is 7% lower than the national average
  • Colorado general sales tax is 43% lower than the national average
  • Colorado state income tax is 69% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Clifton

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Compare Clifton, CO Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$83,373$6,948$1,945$2,501
      Renters$44,780$3,732$1,045$1,344
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Clifton, CO, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Clifton have a median income of $83,373. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $1,945 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $44,780, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,045.

      Colorado Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Colorado 2.9% 10%

      Colorado Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Colorado 4.4% 4.4%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Palisade, CO2,8791054.8%
      Fruitvale, CO8,61311110.7%
      Orchard Mesa, CO6,72811111.4%
      Grand Junction, CO64,33811212.1%
      Fruita, CO14,36611515.2%
      Clifton, CO21,5541032.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      McNair, VA21,56714140.7%
      Mokena, IL21,53511818.4%
      Mill Creek, WA21,53216261.6%
      Kuna, ID21,53011111.4%
      Lorton, VA21,50514544.6%
      Clifton, CO21,5541032.5%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.