Cost of Living in Colorado
Overall index: 103.1 — ranked #17 of 51 (near the national average).
Where your money goes in Colorado
Estimated spending breakdown on a $75,000 salary in Colorado
Estimated annual spending: $67,299($7,701 remaining)
Metro areas in Colorado
What things cost in Colorado
| Item | Colorado | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $530,000 | $360,000 | +$170,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,523/mo | $1,400/mo | +$123 |
| Gas (regular) | $3.53/gal | $3.50/gal | +$0.03 |
| Electric bill | $107/mo | $137/mo | $30 |
| Infant childcare | $21,840/yr | $13,500/yr | +$8,340 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.01 | $4.95 | +$0.06 |
| Monthly groceries | $415/mo | $410/mo | +$5 |
Sources: AAA gas prices, EIA electricity, Zillow ZHVI, Child Care Aware, MERIC/C2ER indices. Eggs and groceries estimated from MERIC grocery index applied to BLS averages.
Cost of living index by category
National average = 100 for each category
Salary equivalent: Colorado vs national average
What a salary in Colorado is actually worth in national-average purchasing power.
| Salary | Purchasing power | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $51,550 | +$1,550 |
| $75,000 | $77,325 | +$2,325 |
| $100,000 | $103,100 | +$3,100 |
| $125,000 | $128,875 | +$3,875 |
| $150,000 | $154,650 | +$4,650 |
| $200,000 | $206,200 | +$6,200 |
Positive difference means you need to earn more in Colorado to match national-average purchasing power.
Compare Colorado with other states
FAQ
What is the cost of living in Colorado?
Colorado has an overall cost-of-living index of 103.1, making it near the national average (ranked #17 of 51 states, where #1 is most expensive). The national average is 100. Housing is the biggest factor — median home prices are $530,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,523/month.
Is Colorado expensive to live in?
Colorado is near the national average with an overall cost-of-living index of 103.1 (average = 100). Some categories may be higher or lower than average.
How much does housing cost in Colorado?
The median home price in Colorado is $530,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,523/month. Colorado's housing index is 108.8 (national average = 100), meaning housing is 8.799999999999997% above the national average. Costs vary significantly by metro area — Denver has a housing index of 148.
How much are groceries in Colorado?
Colorado's grocery index is 101.2 (national average = 100). A dozen eggs costs approximately $5.01 and a typical monthly grocery bill for a household runs about $415, compared to the national average of $410.
What is the average electric bill in Colorado?
The average monthly electric bill in Colorado is $107 based on the state's residential rate of 12.07¢/kWh and average household consumption of 886 kWh/month (EIA 2024).
How much does childcare cost in Colorado?
Center-based infant childcare in Colorado averages $21,840/year ($1,820/month). The national average is approximately $13,500/year. This data is from Child Care Aware of America's 2024 report.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Colorado?
A $75,000 salary in Colorado has the same purchasing power as $72,745 at the national average cost of living. Your salary goes about as far as the national average. Use the calculator above with your specific salary to see how it compares.
How does cost of living vary by city in Colorado?
Major metro areas in Colorado include: Denver (118.5). Costs can vary significantly from the statewide average of 103.1. Click on a city above for detailed metro-level data.
Where does this data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Colorado Paycheck Calculator — Calculate take-home pay after Colorado taxes
- House Affordability in Colorado — How much house can you afford?
- Take-Home Pay by State — Compare Colorado take-home pay across all 50 states
- Compare Job Offers — Factor in salary, equity, and cost of living
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 indices, AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), and Zillow home values (2024-2025). Individual costs vary by city, neighborhood, and lifestyle.