The 10 Cheapest Places To Live In Colorado In 2024


The most affordable places to live in Colorado for 2024 are Federal Heights, Lamar, and La Junta according to Saturday Night Science.

When searching for the cheapest places to live in Colorado, it’s all about balancing lifestyle and expenses.

Think of it as having your pint of New Belgium Fat Tire and a basket of Rocky Mountain oysters and eating them, too.

To determine the most affordable places to live in Colorado, we used Saturday Night Science to research home prices, rents, and overall living costs. Spending less on housing gives you more money to do the fun stuff the Centennial State offers, like whitewater rafting down the Rio Grande or soaking in the hot springs in Glenwood Springs.

Now, let’s highlight the places in Colorado where living costs are manageable.


Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Methodology | Table | FAQs | Summary


The 10 most affordable places to live in Colorado

  1. Federal Heights
  2. Lamar
  3. La Junta
  4. Fort Morgan
  5. Sterling
  6. Pueblo
  7. Alamosa
  8. Trinidad
  9. Brush
  10. Cortez

Most Affordable Cities In Colorado Map

What is the most affordable place to live in Colorado? The cheapest place in Colorado is Federal Heights after crunching data from the US Census regarding median housing costs, median income, and overall cost of living.

Coloradans are always camping, climbing mountains, skiing/snowboarding, rafting, and mountain biking. This fun happens because Colorado residents know the location of affordable housing.

Check out some more reading about Colorado and the cheapest places in the country:

The 10 Cheapest Places To Live In Colorado For 2024

Federal Heights, CO

Source: Wikipedia User Jeffrey Beall | CC BY 3.0
Overall SnackAbility

5
/10

Population: 14,173
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 82
Median Income: $56,316
Median Home Price: $401,479
Median Rent: $1,516

Federal Heights is the most affordable place in CO. Housing costs are competitive within the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metro area, with a median home value of $401,479. Located within striking distance of Denver, Federal Heights has an overall cost of living that is 24.1% lower than the state average.

If you’re looking for cheap things to do in Federal Heights, you should check out Camenisch Park and Water World to fill up the weekend.

More on Federal Heights: Data | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Lamar, CO

Source: Public domain
Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 7,667
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 83
Median Income: $48,422
Median Home Price: $167,777
Median Rent: $821

You don’t have to live on ramen noodles and the McDonald’s dollar menu to live in our second most affordable city in Colorado for 2024: Lamar. This city in Prowers County is our second most affordable city for home ownership in line with median income.

Once a city with an agricultural-based economy, this Colorado city has gravitated towards the traditional with most jobs, now, in the trucking industry, medical profession, and fast food. But if you’re looking for a little moonlighting cash, we suggest mountain bike mechanic. We hear they’re in high demand in the southwestern corner of this Rocky Mountain mecca.

More on Lamar: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

La Junta, CO

Source: Wikipedia User Billy Hathorn | CC BY-SA 3.0
Overall SnackAbility

5
/10

Population: 7,244
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 84
Median Income: $50,799
Median Home Price: $154,737
Median Rent: $717

La Junta may not have any big cities around, but you’d be surprised how much great stuff there is to do here.

History buffs have Bent’s Old Fort and the Koshare Indian Museum, while hikers can choose between Picket Wire Canyonlands and the exquisite Vogel Canyon.

Note that all of the above activities are pretty cheap, but that’s just the start of your savings in La Junta. The median rent here is a crazy low $717, the lowest anywhere in Colorado.

The median home price in La Junta is also the lowest statewide, with a typical house selling for $154,737. The overall cost of living score in La Junta is 84, compared to the national average of 100 and Colorado’s average of 110.

If you want a high quality of life for an unbeatable price, La Junta might just be your jam.

More on La Junta: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Review Of La Junta by HomeSnacks User

This is a small town with not a whole lot to do but the crime rate is low and the schools are amazing. The people are kind and giving and smiling and its just an all around good place to be. It is clean and the cost of living is affordable. it is an hour away from the bigger cities and shopping areas

FOX theater has been around for a really long time offering 2 movie screens to enjoy buttered popcorn and snacks in front of.

The Wipeout swimming pool has 2 slides and offers hot dogs and burgers slushies nachos and other great treats

Fort Morgan, CO

Source: Wikipedia User Jeffrey Beall | CC BY-SA 3.0
Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 11,501
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 86
Median Income: $55,407
Median Home Price: $318,927
Median Rent: $1,044

Where Colorado State HWY 52 meets Colorado State Hwy 76, is our fourth most affordable city in Colorado: Fort Morgan.

This little Colorado gem is 35th when it comes to home price to income ratio. We are not surprised considering they have such a strong agricultural economy with an emphasis on meatpacking. Not only is the job market strong in Fort Morgan, their public transportation is the real deal. Amtrak has a hub in this tiny city in northeast Colorado, ready to take you to any job interview and/or profitable business deal in style.

Now if farming and packing meat is not your thing, there’s always a need for train conductors.

More on Fort Morgan: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Sterling, CO

Source: Public domain
Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 13,466
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 87
Median Income: $44,556
Median Home Price: $239,066
Median Rent: $838

If your city has a Walmart Supercenter, you can bet you are living where it’s affordable; and we might add, convenient.

This is only ‘one’ of the reasons our fifth most affordable city in Colorado, Sterling, has made the list. But not the only reason for this northeastern Colorado town to crush our snackability scale. Major employers like Northeastern Junior College, the RE-1 Valley School, Sykes computer software company, and the Sterling Correctional Facility help to keep Sterling’s median household income competitive.

You truly are a ‘Colorado Treasure,’ Sterling.

More on Sterling: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Pueblo, CO

Source: Wikipedia User John Wark | CC BY-SA 3.0
Overall SnackAbility

4
/10

Population: 111,430
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 89
Median Income: $52,794
Median Home Price: $286,223
Median Rent: $940

Pueblo is one of the most affordable places to live in Colorado. As the county seat and largest city in Pueblo County, it offers a variety of amenities and services. With a population of over 111,430, it’s also a hub of activity and an important part of the Front Range Urban Corridor. Whether you’re into outdoor recreation or cultural experiences, Pueblo has something for everyone. Plus, with an unemployment rate of 6.61, residents can enjoy both affordability and economic stability.

More on Pueblo: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Review Of Pueblo by HomeSnacks User

I lived here for 10 years, Pueblo gets a much worse wrap than they’re worth. Just like any city, it depends on where you live and associate your self with, which determines the experience you have. Is it a little rough around the edges- Yes. But what city isn’t. Pueblo is a great community with a deep connection to the people that live in it, I’d move there again if I had been given another chance.

The highschools are a great place for the kids, I sent all 4 of my kids through East Highschool, the IB programme is amazing and Corwin and Fountain are good for middle schoolers and elementary children. If you want a good experience, don’t buy a house in Bessemer or on the East side, that’s just my personal assesment anyway. I grew up in Bessemer, and it’s not as bad as everyone thinks. I suggest looking into University Park or El Comino

Alamosa, CO

Source: Wikipedia User Jeffrey Beall | CC BY-SA 3.0
Overall SnackAbility

3
/10

Population: 9,792
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 89
Median Income: $50,239
Median Home Price: $284,458
Median Rent: $800

Alamosa is a great option for those looking for an affordable place to live in Colorado. With a median rent of just $800, it is one of the most cost-effective places to live in the state. Additionally, the overall cost of living in Alamosa is rated at 89, which is well below the national average.

The city is known in the area for a thriving community and serves as the commercial center of the San Luis Valley. With a population of just 9,792, it offers a small-town feel with easy access to outdoor recreation opportunities like skiing, hiking, and fishing. Plus, with Adams State University located here, there are plenty of cultural events and activities to enjoy.

More on Alamosa: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Review Of Alamosa by HomeSnacks User

People from Alamosa and surrounding communities don’t want His kind messing up a good thing. He is more than welcome to stay in the cesspool he lives in North of the Valley

Trinidad, CO

Source: Wikipedia User Billy Hathorn | CC BY-SA 3.0
Overall SnackAbility

4
/10

Population: 8,334
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 90
Median Income: $47,908
Median Home Price: $242,035
Median Rent: $875

You don’t have to win the lottery to live in this affordable Colorado city. And if you’re looking for a strong side hustle to offset your bills, our eighth most affordable city in Colorado for 2024, Trinidad, is crushing the cannabis industry.

Trinidad is experiencing a new found $4.4 million in tax revenue from $44 million in annual sales of the recreational drug, representing over 5% of the states total sales. No wonder you’re the 15th most affordable city in terms of home ownership to median income.

Trinidad, you are every real estate agents dream.

More on Trinidad: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Review Of Trinidad by HomeSnacks User

Whatever keeps the Californians away lol. My grandma lived in Trinidad for most of her life. I used to like going to visit her. It wasn’t until I got older that I realized her doctor was in fact a transexual lol. So that part is fact.

Brush, CO

Source: Flickr User Jeffrey Beall | CC BY-SA 2.0
Overall SnackAbility

8
/10

Population: 5,304
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 90
Median Income: $64,475
Median Home Price: $289,894
Median Rent: $891

The ninth most affordable city in Colorado for 2024 is Brush. Kudos to Brush. They moved up 11 from last year to become a Morgan County gold star city.

Located in the northeastern corner of The Centennial State, agriculture and The Brush Rodeo have kept their economy moving in right direction. The median income in this cowboy and cowgirl town is around $64,475 with average home prices up around $289,894.

Brush scored off our charts scoring an 8/10 on our snackability scale. They are the 3rd most affordable city when we looked at home price to income ratio. Affordability = happiness. We get why your city’s motto is “Homegrown Happiness!”

More on Brush: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Cortez, CO

Source: Wikipedia User teofilo | CC BY 2.0
Overall SnackAbility

5
/10

Population: 8,832
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 91
Median Income: $55,962
Median Home Price: $301,599
Median Rent: $941

Cortez is a contender for the most affordable place to live in Colorado. With a median home value of $301,599 and a median rent of just $941, the cost of living in this small town is significantly lower than other cities in the state. Additionally, the overall cost of living in Cortez is rated at 91 making it an attractive option for anyone on a budget.

Cortez offers stunning natural scenery, with nearby Mesa Verde National Park and the San Juan Mountains both just a short drive away. And with a population of just 8,832, residents enjoy a close-knit community feel where neighbors look out for one another. Cortez is an excellent choice for anyone looking to live comfortably and affordably in beautiful Colorado.

More on Cortez: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate

Cheapest places to live in Colorado FAQs

The county in Colorado with the lowest cost of living is Ouray County. The average living wage in Ouray County is $101,386 according to MIT data. Ouray County has the lowest cost of living because it has relatively less expensive childcare and housing costs compared to Colorado as a whole. Childcare costs $21,167 a year in Ouray County for two children compared to the Colorado average of $21,623. Housing costs, defined as a blend of the average rent and average mortgage payment, are $16,308 per year in Ouray County compared to $16,996 on average in Colorado.

The cost of living in Colorado is 14.4% higher than the US average. According to MIT, the required living wage for a family of four with two working parents in Colorado is $102,689 vs the national average for a family of four with two working parents of $89,744. The median income of a Colorado household is $75,231.

The cheapest housing market in Colorado is Federal Heights. The average home value in Federal Heights is $71,700, the lowest in the state. The average home value in Colorado is $369,900, almost 5.2 times higher than Federal Heights.

Methodology: How we determined the most affordable places to live in the Centennial State for 2024

Map Of The Cheapest Places To Live In Colorado
Determining affordability for places in Colorado boils down to how much it costs to live here.

You need to understand your costs relative to what people in the rest of the state are paying.

With that logic in mind, we derived several cost of living statistics from the latest Census American Community Survey 2018-2022 for Colorado using Saturday Night Science. We indexed the cost of living statistics across the following categories:

  • Housing
  • Transportation
  • Services
  • Groceries
  • Healthcare
  • Utilities

These are then weighted together to produce an overall cost of living index where 100 is the United States average. Anything below 100 is relatively affordable. Anything over 100 is relatively expensive.

We applied the biggest weight to housing as it typically accounts for 25% or more of your budget. Additionally, housing costs are the highest variant cost across a state. We then compare these cost of living metrics for each place in Colorado to figure out which is the least expensive.

The “Cost of Living Index” allows you to rank all of the 77 places in Colorado that have more than 5,000 people from least expensive to most expensive. Any ties went to the larger city.

The place in Colorado with the lowest cost of living according to the data is Federal Heights.

We updated this article for 2024. This report reflects our tenth time ranking the cheapest places to live in Colorado.

Colorado Affordabilility Summary

This is an accurate list of the most affordable places to live in Colorado for 2024, if you’re looking at the cost of living numbers in Colorado.

The cheapest cities in Colorado are Federal Heights, Lamar, La Junta, Fort Morgan, Sterling, Pueblo, Alamosa, Trinidad, Brush, and Cortez.

Here’s a look at the most expensive cities in Colorado according to the data:

  1. Cherry Hills Village
  2. Greenwood Village
  3. Lone Tree

For more Colorado reading, check out:

Cheapest Places To Live In Colorado

Rank City Population Cost Of Living Index Median Income Home Prices Rent
1 Federal Heights 14,173 82 $56,316 $401,479 $1,516
2 Lamar 7,667 83 $48,422 $167,777 $821
3 La Junta 7,244 84 $50,799 $154,737 $717
4 Fort Morgan 11,501 86 $55,407 $318,927 $1,044
5 Sterling 13,466 87 $44,556 $239,066 $838
6 Pueblo 111,430 89 $52,794 $286,223 $940
7 Alamosa 9,792 89 $50,239 $284,458 $800
8 Trinidad 8,334 90 $47,908 $242,035 $875
9 Brush 5,304 90 $64,475 $289,894 $891
10 Cortez 8,832 91 $55,962 $301,599 $941
11 Evans 22,092 93 $75,544 $388,506 $1,411
12 Fort Lupton 8,164 93 $71,293 $451,653 $1,195
13 Craig 9,013 94 $52,443 $287,429 $977
14 Greeley 107,949 95 $65,525 $411,873 $1,208
15 Montrose 20,394 96 $60,132 $423,228 $1,032
16 Delta 9,137 96 $45,950 $335,333 $846
17 Dacono 6,260 98 $94,783 $483,988 $1,682
18 Brighton 40,569 99 $86,975 $497,256 $1,629
19 Northglenn 37,948 99 $77,797 $459,707 $1,658
20 Milliken 8,438 99 $96,772 $443,483 $1,348
21 Sheridan 6,062 99 $53,707 $424,232 $1,507
22 Grand Junction 65,918 100 $62,993 $382,198 $1,007
23 Rifle 10,420 100 $72,955 $439,901 $1,142
24 Lochbuie 7,963 100 $84,556 $457,546 $1,165
25 Eaton 5,763 101 $102,314 $454,752 $1,443
26 Aurora 387,349 102 $78,685 $472,149 $1,651
27 Gunnison 6,629 102 $63,229 $564,780 $1,101
28 Thornton 141,799 103 $95,064 $512,505 $1,758
29 Fruita 13,462 103 $71,550 $430,521 $1,338
30 Loveland 76,500 104 $81,898 $487,758 $1,595
31 Westminster 115,502 105 $90,651 $521,670 $1,732
32 Wellington 11,163 105 $101,259 $466,351 $2,269
33 Berthoud 10,892 105 $101,817 $592,425 $1,702
34 Fountain 29,498 106 $80,311 $389,428 $1,636
35 Salida 5,697 106 $63,775 $666,776 $1,562
36 Wheat Ridge 32,263 107 $79,567 $594,883 $1,429
37 Edgewater 5,002 107 $71,964 $592,807 $1,412
38 Colorado Springs 479,612 108 $79,026 $440,298 $1,464
39 Longmont 98,282 108 $89,720 $540,403 $1,689
40 Englewood 33,634 108 $79,375 $522,702 $1,483
41 Commerce City 63,050 109 $96,484 $497,543 $1,540
42 Frederick 15,037 109 $128,078 $545,237 $2,235
43 Arvada 123,066 110 $106,014 $594,157 $1,706
44 Firestone 16,704 110 $106,960 $562,511 $1,852
45 Fort Collins 168,758 111 $78,977 $545,188 $1,576
46 Denver 710,800 112 $85,853 $558,402 $1,665
47 Lafayette 30,295 112 $105,819 $684,062 $1,912
48 Lakewood 156,149 113 $82,786 $560,048 $1,665
49 Windsor 33,905 113 $121,754 $567,646 $1,659
50 Estes Park 5,906 113 $63,598 $687,234 $1,173
51 Gypsum 8,291 115 $99,726 $676,112 $1,741
52 Littleton 45,531 116 $90,273 $674,009 $1,554
53 Woodland Park 7,911 116 $89,341 $534,640 $1,752
54 Glenwood Springs 10,100 117 $80,806 $793,858 $1,430
55 Broomfield 73,946 118 $117,541 $637,472 $1,923
56 Parker 58,733 119 $126,615 $684,096 $1,885
57 Avon 6,115 121 $85,817 $1,150,708 $1,731
58 Castle Rock 74,065 122 $135,985 $655,932 $1,810
59 Golden 20,461 122 $90,990 $820,716 $1,712
60 Durango 19,148 122 $76,177 $707,331 $1,404
61 Centennial 107,702 124 $124,617 $630,996 $1,949
62 Erie 30,447 124 $154,509 $727,737 $2,650
63 Monument 10,548 125 $102,969 $712,688 $1,768
64 Timnath 7,122 126 $162,976 $675,800 $1,641
65 Eagle 7,481 127 $101,373 $914,956 $1,612
66 Louisville 20,920 130 $135,840 $821,232 $1,950
67 Breckenridge 5,017 131 $129,481 $1,130,739 $1,198
68 Steamboat Springs 13,251 132 $93,280 $1,192,382 $1,813
69 Superior 13,146 134 $149,464 $827,554 $2,310
70 Aspen 6,952 134 $94,338 $3,293,818 $1,738
71 Carbondale 6,497 134 $92,083 $1,223,499 $2,177
72 Boulder 106,598 141 $80,243 $974,246 $1,853
73 Castle Pines 11,811 142 $189,280 $863,001 $1,904
74 Lone Tree 13,993 145 $121,066 $927,299 $1,891
75 Greenwood Village 15,537 183 $139,144 $1,340,649 $2,027
About Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar has been in the real estate business for almost ten years now. He originally worked for Movoto Real Estate as the director of marketing before founding HomeSnacks.

He believes the key to finding the right place to live comes down to looking at the data, reading about things to do, and, most importantly, checking it out yourself before you move.

If you've been looking for a place to live in the past several years, you've probably stumbled upon his writing already.

You can find out more about him on LinkedIn or his website.