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Cost of Living in Aspen

Is it better to rent or buy in Aspen? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$87,458
$1,813/mo

Median in area: $1,813

$1,469,758

Median in area: $1,469,758

$293,952

If you Rent

$2,098 /mo
Base Rent$1,813
Est. Utilities$285
% of Income28.8%
Pre-tax Residual$5,190

If you Buy

$8,496 /mo
P&I (7.018%)$7,837
Taxes & Ins$374
Est. Utilities$285
% of Income116.6%
Pre-tax Residual$-1,208

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Aspen?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Aspen. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $2,098, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $8,496 per month (a difference of $6,398).

How much do utilities cost in Aspen?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Aspen is approximately $285. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Aspen?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Aspen without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $83,920 per year.