C-
18%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
48%
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 Fountain Colorado National
Cost of living118115100
Groceries105104100
Health care107107100
Housing148136100
Transportation102106100
Utilities110108100
Lifestyle & Entertainment103107100
Household Items105105100
Education & Childcare108111100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Fountain, CO

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Fountain? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Fountain stands at 118, making it 18% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Fountain 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 48.1% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Fountain?

The real experts on a city are its residents. That's why we reached out to 6 locals to get their views on the cost of living in Fountain. We surveyed the residents and asked them if they felt like prices were affordable or out of reach. The results were as follows. 33% found it budget-friendly with decreasing prices, while 67% said it's simply not affordable as prices have continued to rise.

Is Fountain Affordable?

Is Fountain an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Fountain is 44.1% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 57.4% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Fountain has a median household income of $99,641, which is 22.5% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Fountain?

Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Fountain, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 2.9%, and income tax rates kick off at 4.4%.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Fountain, healthcare costs are 7.2% higher than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Fountain, the groceries index is 4.7% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Fountain shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Fountain is 3% higher than the Colorado average
  • The cost of living in Fountain is 18% higher than the national average
  • Fountain housing is 48% 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 Fountain

See all the best places to live around Fountain

Compare Fountain, 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$110,896$9,241$2,587$3,327
      Renters$91,311$7,609$2,130$2,740
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Fountain, CO, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Fountain, the median monthly income is $110,896 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,587 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $91,311, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $2,130 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Stratmoor, CO6,1261066.2%
      Cimarron Hills, CO19,38411313.1%
      Security-Widefield, CO39,79611514.9%
      Colorado Springs, CO481,85512121.0%
      Fort Carson, CO16,84312827.6%
      Fountain, CO31,20511818.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Poughkeepsie, NY31,21311110.6%
      LaGrange, GA31,218937.2%
      Cibolo, TX31,23411212.1%
      Long Branch, NJ31,24413433.9%
      Atascadero, CA31,15615555.0%
      Fountain, CO31,20511818.1%
      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.