F
37%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
128%
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 Durango Colorado National
Cost of living137115100
Groceries101104100
Health care99107100
Housing228136100
Transportation98106100
Utilities96108100
Lifestyle & Entertainment95107100
Household Items99105100
Education & Childcare95111100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Durango, CO

The cost of living in Durango 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 Durango is 137, which is 37% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

If affordability is among your top priorities when searching for a new place to live, this area may not be the ideal fit, as the cost of living in Durango is among the most expensive in the United States. Just a minority of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Durango falls into this category, which may not align with your goal of finding a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Durango cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 127.9% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Durango Affordable?

Wondering if Durango 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 Durango, for example, the median home price is 167.8% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 34.7% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Durango boasting a median household income of $95,621, which is 17.6% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Durango?

Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Durango, the housing index stands at 127.9% higher than the national average.

Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In Durango, the groceries index is 0.5% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Durango 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 Durango is 19% higher than the Colorado average
  • The cost of living in Durango is 37% higher than the national average
  • Durango housing is 128% higher 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 Durango

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Compare Durango, 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$129,103$10,759$3,012$3,873
      Renters$69,730$5,811$1,627$2,092
      The affordability of the housing market in Durango, CO as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Durango homeowners, the median income is $129,103. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $3,012 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $69,730. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,627 for their rent related monthly costs.

      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.
      Ignacio, CO1,441990.5%
      Southern Ute, CO20512525.0%
      Durango, CO20,08313736.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lynbrook, NY20,07515049.6%
      Angleton, TX20,095936.6%
      Franconia, VA20,09714039.7%
      Monroe, WA20,06513737.2%
      Pinole, CA20,06216464.3%
      Durango, CO20,08313736.7%
      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.