Want Colorado’s mountain lifestyle without Denver’s sky-high prices? Don’t give up on the dream. You can afford a house in the Centennial State if you know where to look.
Your perfect home could be a family-friendly house in Lamar or a starter home in Fountain, Colorado’s fast-growing Front Range community. If you’re retiring, look at homes for sale in La Junta to enjoy a low-cost Rocky Mountain lifestyle, with median home prices under $256,000.
After assessing hundreds of cities, we’ve ranked the 10 most affordable places to live in Colorado to help you find a home that fits your budget.
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Key Takeaways
- Brush is the most affordable city: Brush’s cost of living is 23% below the state average, and median home prices are around $285,000, making it the cheapest city in Colorado to live.
- Fort Collins is best for young professionals: Anchored by Colorado State University and a strong local job market, Fort Collins offers career opportunities, nightlife, and outdoor access.
- For families, Lamar is a solid choice: With lower housing costs, local schools, parks, and community events, Lamar offers a budget-friendly environment for raising children in southeastern Colorado.
- Retirees should consider Cortez: Cortez provides affordable homes, access to healthcare, and a relaxed pace of life near Mesa Verde National Park, making it attractive for retirement.
- Don’t overlook Colorado’s hidden costs: Budget for wildfire insurance averaging over $4,000 yearly in risky areas (often double the national norm), and flood coverage, high utilities, and snow removal, which inflate ownership expenses.
What Are the Cheapest Places to Live in Colorado?
| City | Median Home Value | Median House Rent | Cost of Living Compared to the State Average | Affordability Score (out of 10) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Brush | $285,000 | $1,000 | 23% ⬇️ | 8.7 |
| 2. Lamar | $243,000 | $1,275 | 22% ⬇️ | 8.3 |
| 3. Cañon City | $317,500 | $1,250 | 22% ⬇️ | 8.2 |
| 4. Pueblo | $225000 | $1,260 | 11% ⬇️ | 8.1 |
| 5. Cortez | $400,000 | $1,400 | 20% ⬇️ | 7.4 |
| 6. Fountain | $410,000 | $1,721 | 20% ⬇️ | 6.8 |
| 7. La Junta | $256,000 | $2,460 | 17.3% ⬇️ | 6.2 |
| 8. Grand Junction | $424,995 | $1,737 | 3% ⬆️ | 6.1 |
| 9. Leadville | $502,000 | $2,000 | 4.7% ⬇️ | 5.1 |
| 10. Fort Collins | $518,500 | $1,970 | 6.1% ⬇️ | 5.1 |
How We Ranked the Most Affordable Places to Live in Colorado
To identify the cheap places to live in Colorado, we carried out an in-depth analysis using multiple reliable data sources and indicators of affordability.
Data Sources
- Median Home Prices: We used Houzeo’s Colorado Housing Market report and double-checked the numbers with the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority.
- Median Rent: We got the rent data from C2ER, which publishes the national Cost of Living Index. This was verified every few months to make sure it’s accurate.
- Overall Cost of Living: We covered 6 big spending categories—housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods—from C2ER and Houzeo’s Cost of Living in Colorado Calculator. We then compared everything to the U.S. average of 100.
We studied housing data from 2022 to 2025 to identify cities that remained affordable over time, not just during short dips in prices. Furthermore, each city’s data was also cross-checked with HUD and state economic reports.
All our information is up to date as of 2025, ensuring you receive the most current insights.
Affordability Scoring
We built a simple scoring system that focuses on what really matters:
- Median Home Price (40%)
- Median Rent (35%)
- Cost of Living (25%)
This way, we can clearly show which Colorado cities give you the best value for your money. You can also check out our score breakdown to see how each city was ranked.
Image credits: All blog images are sourced from Freepik.
10 Most Affordable Places to Live in Colorado
Brush is located in Morgan County and is the cheapest place in Colorado to live. Near the Eastern Plains, it sits near Fort Morgan and is within reach of larger Front Range job markets. The city is known for its agricultural roots, local rodeo traditions, and relaxed small‑town pace of life.
- Southwest Brush: It offers a quiet residential vibe with modest single-family homes near farmland edges. Residents value its walkability to schools like Brush Elementary School and proximity to Pioneer Park for picnics and playgrounds.
- Old Town Brush: This downtown maintains a compact historic feel amid early-20th-century architecture. It draws families for easy access to downtown merchants and events such as the annual Brush Rodeo at the Morgan County Fairgrounds.
- Beaver Point: It provides a suburban layout of newer ranch-style homes on spacious lots. Residents appreciate its nearness to Brush High School and quick drives via Highway 34 to Fort Morgan for utilities or healthcare.
- Job Market: Brush’s economy centers on agriculture, with sugar beet and corn processing led by Elevate Ag and McMurry Sugar Co. Manufacturing thrives through Leprino Foods’ cheese plant. Union Pacific’s rail hub drives transportation jobs, while East Morgan County Hospital supports healthcare growth.
- Recreation: Brush families enjoy the Brush Skate Park for BMX sessions and E.G. Winkel Memorial Park’s splash pad for picnics. The Perennial Creek Trail offers birdwatching hikes, while the annual Beet Days Festival draws crowds. Clyde Harrington Memorial Swimming Pool runs competitive summer swim meets.
- Community Politics: Brush’s tight-knit farming families create social cliques where newcomers face years-long exclusion from PTA events and 4-H club leadership roles.
- School System Issues: East Morgan County School District battles chronic bus driver shortages, among other issues.
- Healthcare Inaccessibility: East Morgan County Hospital lacks OB-GYN specialists, forcing 45-minute drives to Greeley for deliveries, with ER wait times averaging 4+ hours during the beet harvest flu season.
- Winter Isolation: I-76 snow closures strand residents 3+ days yearly, canceling Brush Rodeo planning meetings and Fruita Reservoir ice fishing derbies.
Lamar in southeastern Colorado is known for its low home prices and small‑town, High Plains setting. Residents get wide‑open space, light traffic, and basic amenities without big‑city costs. Cheap homes for sale in Lamar make it attractive for budget‑minded buyers and retirees looking to keep monthly expenses down.
- City Center: It offers a sparse suburban vibe with older single-family homes near Main Street shops. Families value its proximity to Lamar Junior-Senior High School and the Lamar Loop trail for walking and community events.
- South Lamar: This residential area maintains a quiet rural feel amid modest ranch homes and open lots. It draws families for access to Memorial Park playgrounds and community fairs like the annual Prowers County Fair.
- Cedar Hills: It provides a family-oriented layout with mid-century homes close to agricultural fields. Residents appreciate the proximity to Lincoln Elementary School and quick drives on Highway 50 to the Arkansas River.
- Job Market: The economy revolves around agriculture, healthcare, and education. Prowers Medical Center is the largest employer with healthcare roles, followed by Lamar Community College. Other key employers include High Plains Community Health Center, the city government, and Brannan Companies.
- Recreation: Lamar residents head to Willow Creek Nature Trail for wildflower hikes and birdwatching, or Big Timbers Museum for pioneer history tours and pioneer village reenactments. Santa Fe Trail Center hosts wagon train festivals, drawing 5,000 visitors yearly.
- Limited amenities: Lamar has limited in-town shopping, with most daily needs centered around a single grocery store and a small cluster of local businesses. Many residents drive about 25 minutes to Big Timbers for larger retail options and expanded dining choices.
- Job diversity concerns: The local job market is heavily agriculture-based, accounting for roughly 62% of employment, which narrows professional opportunities.
- Long commute: With few large employers in town, many residents commute an average of 38 minutes to nearby communities. US-50 closures during spring flooding can significantly extend travel times.
Cañon City in southern Colorado blends small‑city living with big outdoor appeal, sitting along the Arkansas River about an hour southwest of Colorado Springs. The city is best known for the Royal Gorge, river rafting, and mountain views, plus a historic downtown with local shops and restaurants.
- Downtown Cañon City: This neighborhood has a walkable historic core filled with a historic urban vibe with early 20th-century homes near Main Street shops. Families like the short stroll to Washington Park and events such as the Honey Festival at the Fremont Center.
- Lincoln Park: It is a peaceful neighborhood with ranch houses near tree-lined streets and playgrounds. Parents choose this neighborhood for schools like Lincoln Elementary and easy access via the splash pad at John C. Fremont Park.
- Skyline: It delivers elevated views and modern homes on larger lots overlooking the Arkansas River valley. This residential area also has schools like Canon City Middle School nearby and trails leading to the Royal Gorge Bridge.
- Job Market: The economy centers on corrections, healthcare (11.2% of jobs), and tourism, driven by Royal Gorge attractions. Trucking firms like 7 C’s Transportation and Giem Trucking provide logistics roles. Retail includes Sherwin-Williams, while manufacturing remains steady.
- Recreation: Families raft the Arkansas River’s Royal Gorge and explore Garden Park Fossil Area for dinosaur digs. Temple Canyon Park hosts raptor migration watches, while Four Mile Conservation Area offers wild burro hikes. The Freedom Days Festival features skydiving demos over the Royal Gorge.
- Prison Town Identity: Cañon City’s economy revolves around six state prisons dominating jobs, creating a “dry prison town” stigma that overshadows other opportunities.
- Drug & Poverty Challenges: Lower-income neighborhoods (downtown Main Street/U.S. 50 corridor and parts of the Riverwalk-adjacent strips) battle heavy drug use and high poverty rates, with visible homeless loitering on main commercial strips year-round.
- Traffic & Infrastructure: US-50 and Hwy 115 create chronic congestion with outdated traffic signals, stranding commuters during Royal Gorge tourist surges and flash floods.
Pueblo in southern Colorado is a larger city along the Arkansas River, known for its steelmaking history and multicultural, artsy character. Residents enjoy the Pueblo Riverwalk, annual events like the Chile & Frijoles Festival, and easy access to jobs and amenities without Denver‑level prices.
- Bessemer Historic District: This southside area features older Victorian and working-class homes near the Arkansas River industrial corridor. Buyers choose this area for its closeness to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and walking distance to the annual Chile & Frijoles Festival grounds.
- University Park: Northside neighborhood with mid-century homes and greenbelts surrounding Colorado State University-Pueblo. Families choose it for quick access to Occhiato Student Center events and trails near the Walking Stick Golf Course.
- Pueblo West: Spacious suburban enclave west of the city limits with newer ranch homes off McCulloch Boulevard. Residents value its proximity to Joe Martinez Park playgrounds and easy I-25 drives to Lake Pueblo State Park.
- Job Market: Pueblo stands apart with heavy manufacturing at EVRAZ Rocky Mountain Steel’s massive mill and Parkview Medical Center’s regional trauma center. Pueblo Chemical Depot manages national munitions disposal contracts while Colorado State University Pueblo trains 4,000 students in trades.
- Recreation: Pueblo locals uniquely converge at the Colorado State Fair and El Pueblo History Museum’s adobe village reenactments. Rawlings Sports Complex hosts national horseshoe pitching tournaments, while the Steelworks Athletic Club Pool runs synchronized swim competitions.
- Crime & Safety: Pueblo ranks among Colorado’s highest violent crime cities with 1,071.6 assault incidents per 100K residents, particularly around the Union Avenue downtown district.
- School Overcrowding: Pueblo School District 60 faces chronic teacher shortages, forcing combined classrooms and canceled courses.
- Industrial Air Quality: EVRAZ Steel mill emissions create persistent sulfur odors in Southside neighborhoods and exceed EPA particulate limits 42 days yearly near Bessemer.
- Limited Nightlife: Beyond Union Avenue bars closing at midnight, residents drive 45 minutes to Colorado Springs for live music or diverse dining.
Cortez in southwest Colorado is a small city in Montezuma County, serving as a gateway to Mesa Verde National Park and other Four Corners attractions. It offers a laid‑back, outdoor lifestyle with easy access to hiking, archaeological sites, and desert‑mountain scenery. It appeals to those who want scenic surroundings and a quieter pace.
- Montezuma Avenue: This historic area has tree-lined streets and well-kept older homes. It’s easy to walk around, and residents like being close to schools such as Cortez Elementary and the walking tours that showcase local architecture.
- Fairway Estates: This area features modern golf course homes with open floor plans and mountain views off the Conquistador Golf Course. Families choose this neighborhood because it’s near Cortez Middle School and allows easy access to the golf course without expensive club fees.
- Southern Bluffs: This neighborhood has an elevated subdivision of spacious new builds and custom lots with shared green spaces. Residents here enjoy the short drive to Phil’s World biking trails and the entrance to Mesa Verde National Park.
- Job Market: Cortez thrives on tourism, serving Mesa Verde National Park, and healthcare through Southwest Health System. Retail centers around City Market and Walmart, while construction grows via Montezuma County projects. Manufacturing includes small solar component firms like Yup Solar.
- Recreation: Locals hike McElmo Canyon trails to see ancient petroglyphs and picnic at Cortez City Park’s playgrounds. Crow Canyon Archaeological Center offers family pottery programs. The annual Halloween Xtreme mountain bike race through Sand Canyon attracts 400 riders on scenic singletrack loops.
- Elevated Crime Rates: Cortez reports 3,399 crimes per 100,000 residents, exceeding Colorado’s 3,069 and national averages, with assaults at 230.3 per 100k driving much of the disparity.
- Remote Isolation: Four Corners location demands 45-minute drives to Durango for hospitals or airports, amplifying risks during winter storms when local EMS response lags.
- Amenities Deficit: Cortez earns an F grade for amenities with no walkable shopping districts, parks, or public transit, forcing vehicle dependence for groceries and dining as residents drive 20+ minutes to reach basic retail.
Fountain is a fast‑growing suburb in El Paso County, about 10 miles south of Colorado Springs, with a strong military presence. It offers Front Range mountain views, family‑friendly parks, and a small‑town feel while still tied into the larger Colorado Springs job market.
- Mesa Ridge: This is a family-friendly suburban area with newer two-story homes and cul-de-sac streets near rolling hills. Parents usually select it for its proximity to Eagleside Elementary School and quick access to the Thunder in the Valley Car Show at Main Street Park.
- Ventana: It houses a resort-style planned community of modern ranch homes with resort pools and walking paths. Residents favor its nearness to Fountain-Fort Carson High School and summer farmers’ markets at the Venetucci Farm pumpkin patch.
- Cheyenne Ridge: It is a quiet northside neighborhood with spacious lots and mountain views off Highway 85. It is a short drive to schools like Legacy Elementary and Fountain Creek Regional Park trails for fishing and picnics.
- Job Market: Fort Carson Army Base (13,815 personnel), driving military, logistics, and support roles are major jobs available. Windigo Logistics handles regional distribution, while RMB Products specializes in molded plastics. Pavestone produces concrete pavers, and ADESA manages vehicle auctions.
- Recreation: Fountain families visit Fountain Creek Regional Park’s 12-mile trails past cottonwood groves and kayak its spring-fed waters. Memorial Park hosts summer splash pad tournaments and annual Star-Spangled Celebration fireworks. Seacrest Park offers disc golf courses with Pikes Peak views.
- Commute Dependencies: Limited hospitals force 25-mile drives to Evans Army Hospital during Fort Carson gate backups, while grocery options are limited to one Safeway, prompting bulk shopping trips north.
- School Resource Strain: Rapid enrollment growth outpaces district funding, leading to overcrowded classrooms at Mesa Ridge High and reliance on portable units despite passing state standards.
- Infrastructure Lag: Sprawl without sewer upgrades causes frequent backups in older neighborhoods, while Stage 2 water restrictions brown yards amid upstream diversions from Colorado Springs.
La Junta is a small historic city in southeast Colorado’s Arkansas River Valley, about an hour east of Pueblo along US Highway 50 and the old Santa Fe Trail. Known as “the junction,” it blends railroad heritage, sites like Bent’s Old Fort, and access to Comanche National Grassland with a friendly, rural community feel.
- Downtown La Junta: This area centers around vintage bungalows, steps from the Santa Fe Trail depot and Otero Avenue cafés. Visitors head here for La Junta High’s Friday night lights games and summer Art on the Corner sculptures lining the streets.
- La Vista: This area has a spread of ranch homes across quiet blocks with big backyards shaded by cottonwoods. Locals here gather for Swink School’s annual book fair and at the Arkansas Valley Fair rodeo arena for recreation.
- Southside Fields: There are lines of modest houses along irrigation ditches near pistachio orchards outside town. Residents here like the direct connection to Memorial Park’s skate ramps and fun events such as the Koshare Dancers’ fall powwow performances.
- Job Market: La Junta’s economy revolves around healthcare at Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center (the largest employer), education through Otero College, and rail/transportation via the BNSF Railway yard. Other major employers are Otero College, BNSF Railway, and Southeast Colorado Power.
- Recreation: Locals visit the Koshare Indian Museum, enjoy drumming at community dances, fish and windsurf at Otero Reservoir, ride ATVs in Comanche National Grassland, and gather each year at the Arkansas Valley Fair for livestock shows and demolition derbies.
- Youth Retention Issues: Nearly all La Junta High School graduates leave after graduation for college or work elsewhere, reflecting a lack of local career paths and contributing to long-term population and talent loss.
- Municipal Challenges: Residents have raised concerns about inconsistent enforcement of traffic laws, questionable use of city resources, and favoritism within local institutions, which has weakened public confidence in city leadership and governance.
- Public Safety & Drug Activity: There is an ongoing drug-related activity. Several serious crimes (192.7), including unresolved homicides near central areas, have intensified concerns about safety and policing.
Grand Junction in western Colorado is the largest city on the Western Slope and a major hub between Denver and Salt Lake City, set where the Colorado and Gunnison rivers meet. It offers a mix of small‑city feel and big amenities, with a lively downtown, wineries, and easy access to Grand Mesa and miles of public lands.
- North Grand Junction: Semi-rural pockets of single-story homes line Horizon Drive amid orchards and mesa edges. Buyers show interest in this neighborhood due to its proximity to schools like Apple Valley Elementary and the summer Concerts in the Park series at Lincoln Park.
- Redlands Mesa: Upscale hillside enclave of custom homes with golf course fairways and Colorado National Monument views. Residents choose it for Redlands Middle School’s STEM programs and trailheads to the Lunch Loops mountain bike network.
- East Orchard Mesa: Spacious, affordable tracts of manufactured and stick-built homes near rising vineyards. Families enjoy the Junction Junior Highway access and the U-Pick cherry harvests during the annual Colorado Mountain Winefest.
- Job Market: the economy is led by healthcare, anchored by Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital and Community Hospital, followed by education through Mesa County Valley School and Colorado Mesa University. The unemployment rate is 3.9%, down from 5.4%, reflecting steady job growth.
- Recreation: Grand Junction residents climb Colorado National Monument’s 32-mile Rim Rock Drive for bighorn sheep spotting and tackle Rabbit Valley’s 100+ miles of mountain bike singletrack. Annual Palisade Bluegrass & Wine Festival draws 10,000 for live music and Riesling tastings amid peach orchards.
- Healthcare Access Limits: St. Mary’s Medical Center lacks specialized surgeons, forcing airlifts to Denver for strokes or major accidents while rural clinic wait times hit 3+ months.
- Water Scarcity Issues: Colorado River allocations tighten amid drought, imposing Stage 2 restrictions that ban new pools and xeriscape lawns despite booming housing developments.
- Summer Heat Extremes: Temperatures routinely exceed 100°F June-August with low humidity amplifying heat index, straining AC units, and limiting outdoor play for families.
Leadville in central Colorado is a high‑elevation former silver‑mining town, famous for being the highest incorporated city in the United States at just over 10,150 feet above sea level. It offers Victorian‑era architecture, a historic downtown, a mountain‑town character, and world‑class outdoor recreation near Alpine lakes.
- Downtown Leadville: This downtown features historic Victorian homes near Harrison Avenue’s boardwalks and Tabor Opera House. Families prefer it for schools like Cloud City Elementary, which is steps away from the summer Leadville Trail 100k ultramarathon crowds.
- Turquoise Lake Road: Lakeside lots with modern cabins back to evergreen forests and boat ramps. Locals pick it for Lake County High School robotics club and fall aspen viewing at Turquoise Lake Recreation Area.
- East Side Northcraft: It has a lane of paired new homes that line Grand Review Drive overlooking Mineral Belt Trail loops. Buyers value this area’s proximity to Westpark Children’s Center preschool and winter ski shuttle pickups to Ski Cooper.
- Job Market: The economy is driven by tourism, serving Ski Cooper and Mount Elbert, along with its mining heritage through Climax Molybdenum and government jobs. Major employers include St. Vincent General Hospital, Lake County government, the National Mining Hall of Fame, and Ski Cooper Resort.
- Recreation: Leadville locals tackle the Leadville Trail 100 ultramarathon course (world’s highest 100-mile race, 800 runners yearly). Everett Mountain offers backcountry snowshoe loops, while the National Mining Hall of Fame hosts underground tunnel tours exploring 1870s silver veins.
- Altitude Health Risks: Elevation above 10,100 feet triggers chronic altitude sickness for newcomers, causing persistent headaches, insomnia, and dehydration despite mandatory acclimation warnings.
- Service Contractor Shortages: Local tradesmen take 6-24 months for furnace installs or roofing due to Vail commuting, forcing DIY solutions or 90-mile drives to Denver during winter blizzards.
- Winter Access Nightmares: US-24 and Hwy 91 close repeatedly from September-May, stranding residents without Starlink during 200-inch snowfalls and isolating families from groceries or schools.
Fort Collins in northern Colorado is a vibrant college city anchored by Colorado State University, with a lively Old Town, craft breweries, and a strong outdoor culture along the foothills of the Rockies. It offers a mix of tech, education, and creative jobs, bike‑friendly streets, and family‑oriented neighborhoods.
- University Acres: This neighborhood has older homes near the Colorado State University campus. The streets have lots of trees and bike paths. Families like that, Laurel Elementary School, and City Park, where summer jazz concerts are held, are close by.
- Old Town West: It has old-style bungalows and newer homes that are close to breweries on Mountain Avenue and Howling Dog Park. People like living here because it’s near Lesher Middle School and Old Town’s monthly First Friday art events.
- Kechter Farm: Kechter Farm has newer homes near Harmony Road and shopping areas. Families choose it for Eyestone Elementary School, kids’ playgrounds, and the neighborhood pool, especially during the Harmony Festival.
- Job Market: It thrives as a tech and education powerhouse anchored by Colorado State University. Woodward Inc. leads aerospace manufacturing, while Advanced Energy powers semiconductor equipment. Healthcare grows through Banner Health, and microbreweries like New Belgium offer hospitality.
- Recreation: Fort Collins locals paddleboard the Cache la Poudre River’s Wild & Scenic waters for whitewater play parks and climb Horsetooth Reservoir’s 1,943-foot peak via audacious rock scrambles. Bohemian Nights draws 25,000 for craft beer gardens and indie folk concerts under the September stars.
- Traffic Gridlock: I-25 and Harmony Road backups stretch 45 minutes during rush hours, worsened by college student influx and insufficient mass transit beyond MAX bus routes.
- Winter Inversion Smog: Foothills trap wood smoke and vehicle emissions December-February, pushing PM2.5 levels 20% above EPA limits and triggering school closures for asthma alerts.
- CSU Student Crowding Issues: 70,000 university students create parking wars and bar crowds overwhelming Old Town, with residents competing for 1,200 on-street spaces amid 12-month party noise spilling into family neighborhoods.
Pro Tip If you’re looking for something in Colorado’s Front Range, Denver could be a great option. From Westwood to Montbello, you’ll find a wide range of affordable houses in Denver with strong rental potential.
Fort Lupton (safety score of 93) and Milliken (safety score of 88) are the cheapest and safest cities in Colorado. They offer low crime rates, family-friendly neighborhoods, and a lively, welcoming lifestyle.
Top 3 Cheapest Cities to Live in Colorado for Young Adults
When seeking the least expensive cities to live in Colorado, young adults prioritize more than low rent. They seek vibrant job markets, recreational access, and dynamic social scenes. These most affordable towns in Colorado deliver affordable housing alongside career growth in tech, healthcare, and outdoor industries.
| Rank | City | Why It’s Great for Young Adults |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Fort Collins | Home to Colorado State University and a thriving tech scene, this college town offers craft breweries, Poudre River trails, and lively Old Town nightlife. Homes for sale in Fort Collins keep housing costs manageable for young professionals. |
| 2. | Grand Junction | Grand Junction combines affordability with a booming tech and healthcare sector, as well as access to the Colorado National Monument for hiking and mountain biking. Homes for sale in Grand Junction cater to young professionals just starting out. |
| 3. | Pueblo | Pueblo provides steady jobs at EVRAZ Steel and Parkview Medical Center, paired with Historic Arkansas Riverwalk events and local festivals in a welcoming community. Homes for sale in Pueblo offer strong value to young potential homebuyers. |
Top 3 Inexpensive Places to Live in Colorado for Families
Colorado attracts families with its outdoor lifestyle, strong schools, and mountain access. These three cheap places to live in Colorado combine low living costs with family-friendly amenities and quality education.
| Rank | City | Why It’s Great for Families |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Lamar | Lamar families like the Pre-K programs at Lamar Community College, Big Timbers Museum field trips and picnics, and Santa Fe Trail playgrounds. Homes for sale in Lamar enable families to experience the annual Big Roper Rodeo and Fourth of July fireworks. |
| 2. | Cañon City | Cañon City families explore the Royal Gorge Bridge, paddleboard at Fremont County Lake, and picnic at Greenhorn Mountain trailheads. Homes for sale in Cañon City are close to District 60 fall festivals and Skyline Drive hikes, and thus attract families. |
| 3. | Brush | Brush families attend East Morgan County District schools, cheer at Brush Rodeo youth events, and fish at Fruita Reservoir. Homes for sale in Brush connect families to events and places like 4-H fairs and Chimney Rock Park nature walks. |
3 Best Affordable Places to Live in Colorado for Retirees
Colorado offers retirees mountain scenery, mild weather, and outdoor pursuits. These affordable Colorado cities provide affordable housing, accessible healthcare, and safe neighborhoods with activities like hiking, fishing, and community events for active golden years.
| Rank | City | Why It’s Great for Retirees |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cortez | Cortez retirees can explore Mesa Verde National Park, stroll Cortez City Park trails, and access Montezuma County Public Health services. Homes for sale in Cortez enable retirees to experience peaceful days in McElmo Canyon. |
| 2. | La Junta | Retirees in La Junta enjoy heritage museum programs, fishing at Otero Lake, and guided walks at the Boggsville Historic Site. The local healthcare index surpasses state averages, with homes for sale in La Junta supporting a relaxed retirement lifestyle. |
| 3. | Leadville | Leadville offers St. Vincent Health care, National Mining Hall of Fame visits, and Turquoise Lake trails. Low crime rates and homes for sale in Leadville facilitate a secure mountain retirement near historic districts. |
3 Hidden Costs to Consider in Colorado
Even in most affordable cities in Colorado, home prices represent only part of the equation. Wildfire risks and water rights drive up insurance costs significantly. Always factor in wildfire coverage, property taxes, and utility rates when evaluating the true cost of living.
- Wildfire Insurance: Many homeowners now face premiums around $4,000–$8,000 annually due to the Steelworks Gulch fire history, with mountain areas like Leadville exceeding $12,000. Inland cities such as Pueblo and Lamar typically maintain lower rates.
- Flood Insurance: Standard homeowners policies exclude mountain flash flooding and river overflow damage. FEMA NFIP policies or private coverage average $1,500–$2,500 yearly, with 15% annual increases under Risk Rating 2.0 affecting Arkansas River Valley towns.
- Property Taxes: Colorado property taxes range from 0.50%–0.72% of assessed home value, varying widely by county. Pueblo County at 0.63% versus Pitkin County’s 0.68%, and adding substantially to ownership costs.
Quick Tip Colorado offers property tax exemptions for qualifying senior citizens, disabled veterans, and Gold Star spouses on their primary residences. The exemption reduces the property’s actual value by 50% of the first $200,000 for taxation purposes.
Savings Breakdown: Cheapest Cities in Colorado to Live In
Housing costs vary dramatically across Colorado. Brush residents save $1,780 monthly compared to Denver and $1,120 compared to Colorado Springs. The following table breaks down these savings by median home price, monthly mortgage, property tax, insurance, and total monthly costs.
| City | Median Home Price | Avg. Monthly Mortgage | Insurance/taxes | Estimated Monthly Cost for a Single Person | Monthly Savings vs. Denver |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brush | $285,000 | $1,850 | $120 | $2,090 | $1,780 |
| Colorado Springs | $434,000 | $2,840 | $185 | $3,210 | $660 |
| Denver | $560,000 | $3,420 | $225 | $3,870 | – |
Affordable Living Beyond Colorado
Not sure if the cheapest places in Colorado to live will fit your budget? Here are a few neighboring states that offer strong job markets, quality education, and outdoor lifestyles, just like Colorado.
Strong Job Markets
Wyoming ranks high for energy sector growth with no state income tax. Here are the top 3 cheapest places to live in Wyoming:
- Rock Springs: Homes around $265,000, rent under $1,300, supported by trona mining work jobs and Flaming Gorge recreation.
- Cheyenne: Homes around $320,000, rent from $1,400, with careers tied to F.E. Warren Air Force Base and access to Laramie Peak.
- Casper: Homes around $275,000, rent from $1,200, offering the oil and gas sector’s job stability and Alcova Lake watersports for fun.
Quality Education
Utah ranks #1 nationally for K-12 education. These are the top three cheapest places to live in Utah:
- Logan: Homes around $385,000, rent near $1,100. It is the Utah State University hub with the Bear Lake family picnic destination.
- Ogden: Homes around $375,000, rent near $1,300. It is the Weber State college town with Snowbasin ski access for outdoor fun.
- Provo: Homes around $420,000, rent is around $1,400–$1,700. It has the BYU innovation center, housing startups, and Provo River trails for recreation.
Outdoor Lifestyle
New Mexico offers mountains, deserts, and hot springs. Here are the cheapest places to live in New Mexico:
- Clovis: Median home price is around $195,000, and rent is from $950. This city offers Cannon AFB jobs and Ned Houk Park family events.
- Roswell: Median home price is around $185,000, and rent is from $900. This city has parks like Bottomless Lakes State Park and strong schools.
- Las Cruces: Median home price is around $265,000, and rent is from $1,100. This city offers Organ Mountains hiking and has the NMSU cultural scene.
Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live in Colorado?
Brush, Lamar, and Cañon City are Colorado’s most affordable cities to live in. These areas deliver more than low prices. They offer stable job markets, abundant recreation, and living costs 20% below the state average.
Moving to Colorado brings key tax advantages, with property taxes averaging 0.60%. Whether relocating or buying your first home, browse listings, compare prices, and submit offers online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the least expensive place to live in Colorado?
The cheapest city to live in Colorado is Brush. It offers affordable housing at a median sale price of 285K
» 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Colorado: Discover the other least expensive places to live in Colorado.
Where is the best place to live in Colorado?
The best place to live in Colorado is Denver, followed by Aurora, Boulder, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, Greeley, and Pueblo.
What are the living expenses in Colorado?
The average cost to live in Colorado is 4% higher than the national average. However, utilities are 8% lower than the national average.
Where is the best place to retire in Colorado on a budget?
Cortez, La Junta and, Leadville are among the best places to retire in Colorado on a budget. They offer affordable housing, small-town comfort, and easy access to medical care.
Which cities have the cheapest cost of living in Colorado?
