Most Affordable Places to Live in Colorado: With the majestic Rocky Mountains, stunning national parks, and dense forests, Colorado features lush natural beauty and offers plenty of outdoor recreational activities. The state also has a thriving cultural and culinary scene.
It is home to impressive museums, and art galleries, and offers plenty of entertainment options. Couple that with numerous highly-rated schools, four-season living, and low state tax.
All these offerings along with its robust economy draw young professionals and families alike to put down their roots here.
Whether you’re looking for a laid-back small-town lifestyle or a bustling cosmopolitan vibe, this scenic state won’t disappoint. However, the state has a reputation for being expensive.
Planning to move to Centennial State without breaking the bank?
Let’s help you narrow down your choices with our list of the most affordable places to live in Colorado.
Dive in!
Aurora #1
The third largest city in Colorado, Aurora is located on the eastern side of Denver. It is also known as the “Gateway to the Rockies” due to its proximity to the Rocky Mountains.
It offers an array of outdoor recreational activities including hiking, biking, fishing, camping, and more.
The city is home to Aurora Community College and CO Film School which is considered one of the best film schools in the country.
It is also home to a thriving Korean community, numerous good schools, and features a vibrant culinary scene with plenty of restaurants offering a variety of cuisines.
What’s more?
Downtown Denver is a short drive away, enabling easy access to a host of entertainment options. Housing options and living costs are affordable here as compared to many other parts of the state.
Colorado Springs #2
Looking for a tranquil suburban vibe with access to urban amenities?
Colorado Springs may be a perfect choice. Nestled at the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is a picturesque city that exudes a small-town charm.
Hike Pikes Peak, go horseback riding at the Garden of the Gods, picnic in Memorial Park or hop on a hot air balloon ride, there is no dearth of recreational activities to enjoy here.
Old Colorado City is a national historic district near Downtown which is chock full of coffee shops, restaurants, and bars with live music.
Relocating with family?
There are numerous top-rated schools here.
It is home to several military bases and has thriving industries such as tourism and high-tech that add to its promising job market scene.
You can enjoy all these offerings without breaking the bank with a relatively affordable cost of living.
Lamar #3
A small town on the Great High Plains, Lamar has a rich history with a host of attractive offerings.
Have an active lifestyle?
There is an array of outdoor recreational activities to enjoy here such as fishing, hiking, camping, horseback riding, and more.
It also features the Lamar Loop, one of the most challenging golf courses in the state.
The town has a rich gold rush history and you can find various historical sites in and around the place including a 1907 trail depot, a 100-year-old windmill, and a vintage water tank.
The cost of living is lower than the state average. Housing prices are also reasonable, which makes it a great place for those just starting out.
Greeley #4
One of the most affordable places to live on the Front Range, Greeley is a beautiful city that offers something for everyone.
Home to the Northern Colorado University, the city has a thriving Downtown area that features plenty of restaurants, shops, bars, and nightclubs, perfect for a lively evening out.
If you love spending time amidst nature, there are ample outdoor recreational options to enjoy here with the 21-mile Poudre River Trail and the nearby Rocky Mountain National Park.
Industries such as education and food manufacturing add to the job market scene. The cost of living is almost 50-58 percent lower than the state average.
Craig #5
If you love spending time amidst nature, this place won’t disappoint.
Perched in northwest Colorado by the Yampa River, this scenic town exudes an Old West vibe.
From sprawling high desert to thousands of years old petroglyphs on sandstone river canyons, there is no dearth of impressive natural landscapes in and around the town.
Learn about the Old West at the Museum of Northwest Colorado, go hiking on Cedar Mountain, witness hordes of horses on Sand Wash Basin, catch a movie at West Twin Cinema, or enjoy a picnic at City Park, there are endless activities to indulge in here.
Various festivals and events such as Moffat County Hot Air Balloon Festival and Grand West Old Days add to its lively entertainment scene.
With the cost of living lower than the state average, you can enjoy all these offerings under budget.
Brush! #6
Nestled in the Greenwood Area on the banks of the South Platte River, Brush is home to numerous reservoirs, waterways, woods, and plenty of wildlife.
It has a rich history of farming and cattle rearing with agriculture being a major industry. It is a great option for those who work remotely and seek a slower pace of life.
Some of the notable attractions include Beetdigger Stadium, Sands Theatre, Brush Area Museum, and Culture Center.
Trinidad #7
Looking for the perfect combination of outdoor recreational activities with access to city amenities?
Head to Trinidad.
This mountain city offers a host of outdoor recreational activities and stunning views of Pikes Peak. The Trinidad Lake State Park is perfect for activities such as fishing, boating, and camping.
Housing prices and cost of living are less than the state average, making it one of the most affordable places to live in Colorado.
Certain neighbourhoods are safer than others so keep that in mind while choosing a location here.
Fruita #8
Nestled on the Western Slope of the Rocky Mountains, Fruita is a scenic city with robust tourism and food-producing industries.
From hiking, camping, and mountain biking in summer to skiing and snowboarding in winter, there are plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities here.
It is close to the city of Grand Junction and is surrounded by beautiful national parks and forests, offering the best of both worlds.
There is also a vibrant downtown area with numerous shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
What’s more?
Housing and living costs are affordable here.
Pueblo #9
The city is home to Lake Pueblo State Park which offers many outdoor recreational activities.
It has a strong farming community and hosts various festivals such as the popular Chile and Frijoles Festival and the Colorado State Fair.
Love authentic Mexican cuisine?
There are plenty of restaurants here that serve tempting Mexican delicacies.
It is home to a vibrant downtown Riverwalk that features numerous shops, restaurants, and bars.
Relocating with family?
The city is also home to Colorado State University-Pueblo, good schools, Parkview Medical Center, and the Pueblo Zoo.
What’s more?
Housing prices are below the state average. Certain neighbourhoods are safer than others so keep that in mind while choosing a location here.
Sterling #10
Known as the Queen City of the Plains, Sterling is nestled in the north-eastern corner of the state in Logan County.
Home to the Northeastern Junior College, it is one of the most populous cities in the state and offers a host of recreational activities.
From golfing at Riverview Golf Course, witnessing stunning tree sculptors in the city, soaking in some history at the Overland Trail Museum, to picnicking at Pioneer Park, there is an array of activities to enjoy here.
The city is also home to numerous breweries, cafes, and restaurants, perfect for a lively evening out.
You can enjoy all these offerings at an affordable cost since the cost of living here is lower than the state average.
So, pick the one that attracts you the most and get ready to begin the next chapter of your life in your brand-new home.
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FAQs:-
Q. What city has the lowest cost of living in Colorado?
Lamar, Cañon City, and Trinidad are some of the most affordable cities to live in Colorado.
Q. Is Colorado an affordable state to live in?
The cost of living in Colorado is higher than the national average.
Q. Is it cheap to move to Colorado?
The overall cost of living in Colorado is higher than the national average. However, since Colorado is a diverse state, you can find both expensive and affordable places to live here.