F
33%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
100%
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 Longmont Colorado National
Cost of living133115100
Groceries103104100
Health care104107100
Housing200136100
Transportation104106100
Utilities105108100
Lifestyle & Entertainment104107100
Household Items105105100
Education & Childcare110111100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Longmont, CO

The cost of living in Longmont 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 Longmont is 133, which is 33% 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 you value affordability in your search for a new place to live, Longmont may not be the most suitable option, as it stands out as one of the priciest areas in the entire United States. Only a small fraction of regions have a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Longmont falls into this category, which may not align with your desire for an affordable place to call home.

Housing costs significantly influence the Longmont cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 99.8%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

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

Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 26 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Longmont and this is how they responded. 19% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 81% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.

Is Longmont Affordable?

Is Longmont affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Longmont, the median home price is 121.9% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 48.3% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Longmont boasting a median household income of $118,222, 45.4% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Longmont?

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Longmont, the housing index is 99.8% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Longmont, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 2.9%, and income tax rates start at 4.4%.

Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Longmont cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Longmont is 16% higher than the Colorado average
  • The cost of living in Longmont is 33% higher than the national average
  • Longmont housing is 100% 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 Longmont

See all the best places to live around Longmont

Compare Longmont, 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$148,820$12,402$3,472$4,465
      Renters$76,072$6,339$1,775$2,282
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Longmont, 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 Longmont have a median income of $148,820. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $3,472 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $76,072, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,775.

      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.
      Leyner, CO01098.9%
      Crisman, CO531065.6%
      Platteville, CO3,10811515.5%
      Milliken, CO8,05312121.3%
      Dacono, CO6,31612323.3%
      Longmont, CO99,36013333.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Flint, MI99,4367722.9%
      Bend, OR99,17413434.2%
      Lawrence, KS99,660991.2%
      Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC99,027n/a 
      Albany, NY99,0121098.9%
      Longmont, CO99,36013333.2%
      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.