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Cost of Living in Colo

Is it better to rent or buy in Colo? 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.

$87,022
$1,031/mo

Median in area: $1,031

$199,900

Median in area: $199,900

$39,980

If you Rent

$1,320 /mo
Base Rent$1,031
Est. Utilities$289
% of Income18.2%
Pre-tax Residual$5,932

If you Buy

$1,662 /mo
P&I (6.992%)$1,063
Taxes & Ins$310
Est. Utilities$289
% of Income22.9%
Pre-tax Residual$5,590

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Colo?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Colo. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,320, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,662 per month (a difference of $342).

How much do utilities cost in Colo?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Colo is approximately $289. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Colo?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Colo without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $52,800 per year.