Cost of Living in Colorado (CO)
Compare costs across 11 Colorado cities. From home services to salaries, see how CO stacks up against the national average.
11
Cities
142
Avg Cost Index
$61K
Avg Income
Direct Answer
Colorado's average cost index is 142, which is above the national baseline of 100. Pueblo is the most affordable tracked city in CO at index 86, while Aspen is the most expensive at index 230.
The gap between the cheapest and most expensive tracked cities is 144 index points, so state-level averages should be used as a map, not a final budget.
State cost overviewBLS, Census, HUD inputsLast verified May 2026
Colorado Highlights: Most affordable city: Pueblo (index 86). Most expensive: Aspen (index 230). The gap between cheapest and most expensive is 144 index points.
What Drives the Statewide Cost Picture?
Average index
142/100
Colorado is above the national cost baseline across tracked cities.
Cheapest city
Pueblo
Pueblo has a cost index of 86.
Most expensive
Aspen
Aspen has a cost index of 230.
Income average
$61K
Average median household income across 11 tracked CO cities.
Cheapest and Most Expensive Cities in Colorado
Colorado State Taxes (2026)
Headline tax rates that affect your real take-home pay and total cost of living in Colorado.
State Income Tax
4.4%
flat system
Combined Sales Tax
7.77%
2.9% state + 4.87% avg local
Property Tax (Effective)
0.51%
~$1,530/yr on a $300K home
Income tax: Colorado uses a flat income tax at 4.4%. No state estate tax. Estimate your take-home pay
State Planning Checklist
- Start with Pueblo if the priority is lowest recurring cost inside Colorado.
- Compare Aspen against salary and tax advantages before assuming the higher-cost city is worse.
- Use city pages for rent, salary, insurance, and local service costs before making a relocation decision.