Colorado, known for its majestic Rocky Mountains, vibrant cities, and extensive outdoor recreational opportunities, is a state that appeals to both nature enthusiasts and urban dwellers. The state features landmarks such as Rocky Mountain National Park, the Garden of the Gods, and Pikes Peak. The state’s economy is robust and diverse, supported by industries such as technology, aerospace, agriculture, and tourism. Colorado's tax structure, which includes moderate income and property taxes, contributes to its overall affordability. Despite the state’s growing popularity and the recent rise in housing prices and living costs, there are still several areas in Colorado where the cost of living is lower. These regions provide a lower cost of living while maintaining access to Colorado's natural beauty and amenities. Recent inflation and increases in food costs have affected affordability, making it important to identify regions within the state where living expenses are more manageable.
Affordable living in Colorado can often be found in smaller towns and less densely populated areas, where housing and daily expenses are lower. The significance of affordability in livability cannot be underestimated, as it ensures residents can enjoy a high quality of life without financial hardship. Factors leading to affordable living include local economic conditions, housing availability, and efficient public services. The C2ER's cost of living data is a valuable resource for pinpointing these affordable areas, helping residents make informed decisions about where to live in Colorado. By understanding where these affordable regions are located, residents can better navigate the state's economic landscape and fully enjoy the diverse opportunities and natural beauty that Colorado offers without compromising their financial health. Identifying the cheapest places to live in Colorado enables residents to make the most of their surroundings while maintaining financial stability.
Rank | Location | Population | COL Index | Med. Home Value | Med. Household Inc. |
1 | La Junta | 6,907 | 86 | $94,800 | $49,654 |
2 | Lamar | 7,598 | 88 | $105,500 | $41,124 |
3 | Federal Heights | 13,537 | 91 | $71,700 | $49,291 |
4 | Trinidad | 8,076 | 93 | $145,700 | $38,733 |
5 | Sterling | 14,421 | 93 | $141,100 | $40,956 |
6 | Alamosa | 9,360 | 93 | $153,800 | $38,000 |
7 | Pueblo | 111,776 | 94 | $149,600 | $42,902 |
8 | Cortez | 8,729 | 97 | $166,800 | $42,245 |
9 | Clifton | 20,783 | 98 | $158,000 | $46,394 |
10 | Craig | 8,978 | 98 | $173,500 | $49,667 |
11 | Delta | 8,893 | 99 | $186,300 | $40,841 |
12 | Brush | 5,408 | 99 | $179,000 | $56,078 |
13 | Fort Morgan | 11,311 | 99 | $184,300 | $48,642 |
14 | Cañon City | 16,369 | 103 | $185,300 | $49,963 |
15 | Montrose | 19,396 | 106 | $232,200 | $52,534 |
16 | Derby | 9,156 | 106 | $207,100 | $63,071 |
17 | Orchard Mesa | 6,484 | 106 | $216,500 | $61,017 |
18 | Stratmoor | 5,960 | 106 | $191,500 | $51,500 |
19 | Pueblo West | 32,842 | 106 | $236,400 | $73,608 |
20 | Fruitvale | 8,352 | 107 | $214,000 | $64,063 |
21 | Grand Junction | 62,218 | 107 | $251,400 | $54,570 |
22 | Gunnison | 6,653 | 109 | $259,500 | $44,386 |
23 | Evans | 22,128 | 109 | $237,400 | $64,007 |
24 | Fruita | 14,068 | 110 | $245,100 | $50,800 |
25 | Welby | 15,372 | 111 | $241,900 | $67,594 |
26 | Greeley | 107,445 | 111 | $274,800 | $57,537 |
27 | Fort Lupton | 8,600 | 111 | $284,100 | $66,056 |
28 | Rifle | 9,771 | 112 | $275,700 | $66,176 |
29 | Cimarron Hills | 18,981 | 112 | $233,200 | $71,342 |
30 | Lochbuie | 6,795 | 112 | $275,200 | $68,493 |
31 | Sheridan | 6,072 | 113 | $262,300 | $46,202 |
32 | Glendale | 5,186 | 114 | $252,600 | $60,573 |
33 | Milliken | 7,862 | 114 | $306,700 | $69,219 |
34 | Security-Widefield | 38,645 | 114 | $237,500 | $72,175 |
35 | Eaton | 5,646 | 116 | $328,800 | $86,620 |
36 | Sherrelwood | 19,082 | 118 | $303,700 | $64,404 |
37 | Fountain | 30,240 | 118 | $259,000 | $68,194 |
38 | Dacono | 6,167 | 119 | $326,500 | $73,050 |
39 | Colorado Springs | 471,686 | 119 | $294,500 | $67,719 |
40 | Berkley | 11,299 | 120 | $321,700 | $69,722 |
41 | West Pleasant View | 5,417 | 120 | $309,900 | $70,506 |
42 | Northglenn | 39,201 | 121 | $331,200 | $71,104 |
43 | Loveland | 81,774 | 121 | $339,500 | $72,515 |
44 | Brighton | 38,355 | 121 | $337,100 | $74,813 |
45 | Shaw Heights | 5,987 | 121 | $326,900 | $74,524 |
46 | Aurora | 379,434 | 122 | $322,200 | $67,723 |
47 | Redlands | 8,863 | 122 | $336,500 | $77,348 |
48 | Salida | 5,543 | 123 | $342,200 | $49,939 |
49 | Severance | 5,611 | 123 | $378,000 | $109,207 |
50 | Commerce City | 55,891 | 124 | $340,100 | $82,939 |
To formulate the list of the cheapest places to live in Colorado, AreaVibes utilized comprehensive data from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) cost of living index. The report is released annually and offers a detailed comparison of living expenses across various urban areas. The data is meticulously gathered by over 300 independent researchers, ensuring a high level of accuracy and reliability. The C2ER index encompasses more than 60 goods and services, categorized into six essential areas that significantly impact the cost of living. These categories and their respective weightings in the index are as follows: goods and services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%), and utilities (10%).
The map above is a great way to help you discover the most affordable states across the U.S. By highlighting states with the lowest cost of living, this map provides an in-depth look at where you can get the most value for your money. By visually representing this data, the map allows users to easily compare different regions and make informed decisions about potential relocations or investments. Additionally, it provides valuable insights into the economic conditions and lifestyle factors that influence these cost of living statistics. Whether you're planning a move, considering a new job, or simply curious about the economic landscape, this map is a useful resource for understanding and navigating the financial implications of living in different states.