Colorado is a state in the Mountain West subregion of Western America.
It is the eighth-most expanded and 21st most populous U.S. state.
Actually, it is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation.
So, whether it is for the climate, the history of the mountains, it is an exceptional state for living.
Colorado offers everything for everyone, from wide-open places with breathtaking nature to bustling cities complete with craft and entertainment.
Seeing that, we are all interested in the cost of living in Colorado, and which cities are the top five most expensive cities in this state?
So, let’s start.
Contents
Is it Expensive to Live in Colorado?
Since Colorado is such a large state, housing, utilities, transportation, and groceries can depend typically on where you live.
But, ordinarily, the cost of living in Colorado is $1910, which is 1.08 times more expensive than the average in the United States.
Colorado is ranked as the 14th most expensive state to live in the United States.
In the text below, find out what you need to know about the cost of living in this famous state, from housing and utility costs to healthcare costs.
Housing Costs
Clearly, housing is the expensive monthly cost that does concern us the most, especially when we talk about the cost of living in Colorado.
Housing costs, here, are one meaningful reason the cost of living in Colorado is relatively high.
The average home prices are nearly 56% higher than the national average.
The same goes for renters, who can spend more than 11% each month for a two-bedroom apartment than the national average.
In fact, housing costs in this state are usually from $1,306 to $2,212.
But, always keep in mind that Colorado is a big state.
So this means that you can find housing and renting prices at a lower price when you look across the entire state.
For example, renting a two-bedroom apartment in Grand Junction is around $300 cheaper than the national average.
Utility Costs
Well, about utility costs, we have to mention that this state is at a very satisfying level.
Utility costs like energy and phone use are 3–23% lower in Colorado than the average U.S.
The cost of utilities is $314.80 per month, which is not an enormous price.
However, it depends on where you find your Colorado address.
Given that, in Westminster, you will only pay a monthly average of $99 for total energy—$70 cheaper than the national average.
On the other side, if you choose Colorado Springs as a city with a higher range of utility costs, you will pay about $200 for total energy per month.
Food Costs
We have to mention that Colorado seems to be a healthy state with many healthy, vegan, and diet-friendly restaurants.
Due to that, it is very natural for this state to have enormous restaurants bills.
As for supermarkets’ food, the average food budget is $440 per month for one person.
In the text below, we can precisely see which food prices are the highest and where.
Healthcare Costs
Another circumstance for determining the cost of living in Colorado is healthcare costs.
Colorado residents put a lot of importance on being outside and staying active.
Also, they spend a lot more money on vitamins, organic food, gym memberships, and outdoor hobbies like hiking, camping, or skiing.
According to HealthMarkets, the average monthly cost of medical insurance without a subsidy in Colorado is $340 per month.
Transportation Costs
As same as utilities, transportation costs are generally affordable in Colorado.
Lower costs for car maintenance and gas prices make exploring the natural miracles all across the state a breeze.
Public transit can help reduce the cost of driving everywhere, but only if you live and work with access to one of the major cities.
We have to notice that public transportation is widely available in the state.
They offer bus, rail, and light rail services to Denver, Boulder, and nearby cities.
A monthly pass for these services is between $114-$200, depending on whether you want local or regional service.
The Top Five Expensive Cities in This State
The cost of living could increase or decrease in each section depending on the city.
So, let’s see the top five expensive cities in Colorado.
Denver
The average cost of living in Denver is $2096, which is in the top 4% of the most expensive cities in the world.
Denver’s housing expenses are 34% higher than the national average, and the utility prices are 6% lower than the national average.
For example, the average cost of a home in Denver is remarkably $517,766.
For rent, one-bedroom apartment Downtown is from $1078 to $1412.
Utilities and transport costs, on the other side, are not so enormous.
A one-way bus ticket is $3, while the monthly pass for local transport is $116.
As for food in supermarkets, 1L Milk is only $0.78, and 05.5kg bread is $2,50.
But, keeping in mind that this city has plenty of restaurants and it seems to be all of them healthy, modern and trendy, so, a dinner for two will cost you $60.
Lunch for one in a cheap restaurant is about $13.8.
Last but not least is free time activities, which this city has a lot of them.
A Cinema ticket for one person is $12.3, while the gym membership per month is $57.4.
Colorado Springs
The average cost of living in Colorado Springs is $1820, which is in the top 8% of the most expensive cities in the world.
The city is becoming more popular every day, so housing prices are rapidly increasing.
However, they are much more affordable than Denver.
The average cost of a home in Colorado Springs is $388,907, while the price for a one-bedroom apartment Downtown, 40 m2 with rent, is about $1000.
Also, a one-way local bus ticket is half the expense in Denver, and it costs only $1.75, while the monthly pass for local transport is $56.
Furthermore, the price for food in supermarkets is identically like prices in Denver.
Yet, in Colorado Springs, if you want to sit in an exclusive restaurant, a dinner for two will cost you much less than in Denver.
The dinner meal for two is $45.3.
For one person, you can find prices from $12 for perfect lunch.
Fast food here in this city is a little bit more expensive, and it cost, for example, McDonald’s standard meal $9.07.
Cinema Ticket for one person is $11.7, while the gym membership per one month is $37.9.
Aurora
In Aurora, the average cost of living is $1904, which is in the top 6% of the most expensive cities in the world.
In this city, the price for renting a one-bedroom apartment Downtown is enormously $1390.
A local transport ticket for one way is $3.01, and a monthly pass for local transport is $115, which is really a huge price.
As for prices in restaurants, we can say that dinner for two people will cost you from $60 up.
Toward prices for food in supermarkets, 1L Milk is only $0.72, and 05.5kg bread is $3,49.
Cinema Ticket for one person is $11.3, while the gym Membership per one month is $39.6.
Fort Collins
The average cost of living in Fort Collins is $1821, which is in the top 8% of the most expensive cities in the world.
The price for renting one-bedroom apartment Downtown is around $1173.
The lunch menu is $9.7, and dinner for two people in a Restaurant is nearly $44.6.
The local transport ticket is $2.01, while the monthly pass for transport is $31.1.
In the end, the prices for food in supermarkets, as well as cinema tickets or fitness membership per one month are identical to prices in Denver.
That means that this city is almost as expensive as Denver.
Lakewood
In Lakewood, the average cost of living is $1793, which makes this city in the top 10% of the most expensive cities in the world.
In this city, the price for renting on monthly basics is $1,0863, while dinner in a restaurant for two people can cost you more than $55.
Moreover, transportation costs are a bit higher than in other cities in this state.
For instance, a one-way ticket in local transport is $4.40, and a monthly pass for local transport is $89.4.
Colorado Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Colorado Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Additional Resources
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Cost of Living in Oregon Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Rhode Island Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Kansas Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in New Jersey Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Maryland Cities: These Are the Top 5
Lakewood is a bit more expensive than other cities in Colorado, but it still offers a high quality of living with access to nature and city amenities.
As for food prices in supermarkets, they are identical to other cities on this list.
But, the cinema ticket is a bit cheaper and costs $10.5 per person.