A+
1%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
18%
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 Pueblo Colorado National
Cost of living99115100
Groceries105104100
Health care107107100
Housing82136100
Transportation104106100
Utilities108108100
Lifestyle & Entertainment113107100
Household Items105105100
Education & Childcare107111100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Pueblo, CO

Knowing the cost of living in Pueblo allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Pueblo stands at 99, marking it 1% lower than the national average.

In Pueblo, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Pueblo will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

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

Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 46 residents in Pueblo to learn how they view the cost of living. We asked how they felt about the cost of living in their area, and if they thought that prices were increasing, decreasing or staying the same. The verdict? 30% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 70% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.

Is Pueblo Affordable?

Is Pueblo 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 Pueblo is 19.7% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 14.4% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Pueblo has a median household income of $63,966, which is 21.4% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Pueblo?

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 Pueblo, the groceries index is 5.4% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Pueblo, the standard sales tax rate starts at 2.9%, and the income tax rates commence at 4.4%.

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Pueblo, healthcare costs are 7.1% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Pueblo cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Pueblo is 14% lower than the Colorado average
  • The cost of living in Pueblo is 1% lower than the national average
  • Pueblo housing is 18% 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 Pueblo

See all the best places to live around Pueblo

Compare Pueblo, 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$84,994$7,083$1,983$2,550
      Renters$39,920$3,327$931$1,198
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Pueblo, 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 Pueblo, the median monthly income is $84,994 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $1,983 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $39,920, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $931 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.
      Vineland, CO3531076.7%
      Salt Creek, CO752973.3%
      Blende, CO8181043.5%
      Avondale, CO6111088.1%
      Pueblo West, CO33,79811010.5%
      Pueblo, CO114,377990.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Gresham, OR114,45812424.2%
      Lakeland, FL114,2881032.5%
      Everett, WA114,50313333.2%
      Lowell, MA114,17012625.9%
      Miami Gardens, FL114,67211211.8%
      Pueblo, CO114,377990.8%
      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.