Colorado is known for its stunning mountain views, skiing, and general outdoorsy lifestyle. Unfortunately, it’s also known for its high cost of living. If you’re looking to move to the Centennial State but don’t want to break the bank doing it, don’t worry – there are still plenty of options! In this blog post, we’ll discuss the top cheapest places to live in Colorado, so you can find a place that fits your budget and lifestyle. Read on to find out the best places in Colorado to call home!
1) Durango
Situated in the picturesque Animas Valley in the San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado, Durango is one of the most affordable places to live in Colorado. With a low cost of living and plenty of outdoor activities, it’s no wonder why so many people are drawn to Durango. The town itself has a wide variety of restaurants, shops, and other amenities, while the surrounding area offers some of the best hiking, biking, rafting, and skiing in the state. The town is also home to Fort Lewis College, a liberal arts school with a great academic reputation. With all these factors, it’s no surprise that Durango is an incredibly attractive place to live for those looking for an affordable place to settle down.
2) Alamosa
Located in the San Luis Valley of Colorado, Alamosa is a small city with a population of around 9,000 people. It offers all the amenities of a small town and is an affordable place to live in Colorado. The median home price in Alamosa is $174,900, which is significantly lower than the median price of a home in the state ($389,900).
In Alamosa you’ll find plenty of things to do such as hiking and biking in the nearby Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Alamosa is also home to the nearby Rio Grande National Forest, offering over 2 million acres of public lands for outdoor recreation. Other attractions include the annual Festival of Lights, an annual county fair, and the Alley A Brewing Company.
The cost of living in Alamosa is 10% lower than the national average. Utilities are extremely affordable and groceries are 16% lower than the national average. The unemployment rate is 5.2%, which is lower than the national average (7.3%). The median household income in Alamosa is around $45,000, and the median rent price is around $775 per month.
Overall, Alamosa is a great place to live if you want to enjoy small-town living and affordable housing costs in Colorado. With plenty of recreational activities and affordable living costs, Alamosa should be on your list of top places to consider when looking for an affordable place to live in Colorado.
3) Canon City
If you’re looking for one of the cheapest places to live in Colorado, then Canon City should be at the top of your list. This small city has plenty to offer and a cost of living that is nearly 10% lower than the U.S. average. Despite its size, Canon City boasts a variety of restaurants and shopping opportunities, as well as several attractions.
The Arkansas River runs through the heart of the city, providing numerous opportunities for recreation. Enjoy fishing, kayaking, or even white water rafting. There are also plenty of parks, trails and other outdoor activities, such as golfing and camping. The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is one of the main attractions here, and it offers stunning views of the canyon below.
Canon City also has an abundance of cultural activities to explore. Stop by the Abbey Events Center or Canyon Concert Ballet for some entertainment. The Fossil Beds National Monument is nearby and offers fascinating insights into Earth’s past. And if you’re a fan of art and antiques, be sure to check out the galleries and antique stores in downtown Canon City.
In terms of housing, Canon City offers a great selection of homes for sale and rent. Prices are very reasonable for both buying and renting, making it easy to find an affordable place to call home. With all these great features combined, it’s no wonder that Canon City is one of the top 10 cheapest places to live in Colorado.
4) Sterling
Located in northeast Colorado, Sterling is a beautiful small city with a population of around 14,000. With a median home value of only $124,600 and a median rent price of just $728, Sterling is one of the most affordable places to live in the state.
Sterling has a variety of attractions and activities to enjoy, from its expansive network of parks to its plentiful cultural attractions. The city is home to Northeastern Junior College, the nationally renowned Overland Trail Museum, and many other historical sites and monuments.
As for activities, Sterling has plenty to offer its residents. The city’s many parks and trails are great for walking, running, and biking. You can also find several golf courses and even an indoor rock climbing gym. There are a variety of festivals and events held throughout the year, such as the Sterling Renaissance Festival and Summer Concert Series.
For those looking for a more peaceful place to call home, Sterling is a great choice. The city boasts low crime rates and peaceful neighborhoods. Plus, it’s close enough to Denver that you can make day trips or weekend getaways to the big city when you want some excitement.
5) Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts who don’t want to pay top dollar. This scenic town, located in the Rocky Mountains, offers some of the most stunning scenery in Colorado. It also boasts an affordable cost of living and plenty of activities to enjoy.
The median home price in Glenwood Springs is $355,000, which is a great deal when compared to other parts of the state. It’s a great spot to settle down if you’re looking for an affordable place to call home. Plus, the city offers plenty of entertainment, including camping, hiking, biking, fishing, and more.
For those looking to get away from it all, Glenwood Springs provides plenty of serenity. There are a number of parks and recreational areas, such as Hanging Lake and Iron Mountain Hot Springs, that provide a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The city also has a vibrant art scene, with galleries and studios that are sure to delight art lovers.
Overall, Glenwood Springs is an excellent option for anyone looking for an affordable place to live. With its picturesque scenery, numerous activities, and low cost of living, it’s easy to see why this charming town continues to be a favorite for so many Colorado residents.
6) Montrose
Montrose, located in the southwest corner of Colorado, is one of the cheapest places to live in the state. It is a small town with a population of just under 20,000 and is known for its incredible outdoor activities and stunning scenery. The cost of living in Montrose is very low, making it an attractive place to relocate for those looking for an affordable lifestyle.
In addition to its affordability, Montrose has plenty to offer in terms of recreational activities. The city is surrounded by national forests and beautiful mountain ranges, offering a wide variety of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, fishing, and camping. Additionally, Montrose boasts numerous museums and cultural attractions like the Black Canyon National Park and the Montrose Historical Museum.
Montrose also has many amenities like grocery stores, restaurants, and movie theaters. Its downtown area is full of unique shops, galleries, and cafés, so you can find something to do no matter what your interests are.
Overall, Montrose is a great place to live if you’re looking for an affordable cost of living and lots of recreational opportunities.
7) Craig
Craig is a small town located in Moffat County, Colorado. It is a popular destination for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities due to its close proximity to the beautiful Yampa River. This small town is home to a variety of restaurants, retail stores, museums, and other attractions. It also offers affordable housing options, making it one of the cheapest places to live in Colorado. The median home value in Craig is around $220,000, making it one of the most affordable places to buy a home in the state. Renters can expect to pay an average of $800 per month for a two-bedroom apartment. Despite being one of the cheapest places to live in Colorado, Craig provides plenty of employment opportunities. The top employers in the city include Walmart, Memorial Regional Health, and Craig Station Power Plant. The cost of living in Craig is relatively low and there are many activities available to keep you entertained. From hiking trails to fishing spots, there’s something for everyone in this small town.
8) Pueblo
Located in the southeast corner of Colorado, Pueblo is one of the most affordable places to live in the state. With a population of around 110,000, it offers plenty of amenities without the hustle and bustle of bigger cities. Renters here can find apartments for as low as $600 a month. The cost of living in Pueblo is more than 10% lower than the U.S. average, making it an attractive option for budget-minded families.
In addition to low cost housing, Pueblo offers plenty of activities and attractions. The city boasts two rivers – the Arkansas and Fountain – and is home to Lake Pueblo State Park, which features outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and camping. Other popular attractions include the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk and the Buell Children’s Museum.
For those looking for an affordable place to live in Colorado, Pueblo is definitely worth considering. With its abundant recreational opportunities, great housing prices, and low cost of living, it could be just what you’re looking for.
9) Salida
Salida, located in south-central Colorado, is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, as it lies just north of the Arkansas River and is surrounded by the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Salida has a population of about 5,500 and is considered one of the cheapest places to live in Colorado. Housing prices in Salida are generally lower than the state average, and you can find a variety of affordable homes, apartments, and condos. Salida also offers numerous parks, museums, and recreational activities, making it a great place to visit or call home. In addition to being affordable, Salida has a vibrant community, with plenty of restaurants, pubs, galleries, and shops to explore. Salida is also known for its unique festivals and events, such as the FIBArk Whitewater Festival, MusicFest, and the Salida Circus. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful mountain getaway or a fun-filled city atmosphere, Salida is an ideal place to live in Colorado.
10) La Junta
La Junta, Colorado is a charming town located in the southeastern part of the state. It has a population of just under 7,000 people and is the county seat of Otero County.
The cost of living in La Junta is much lower than the national average, making it one of the cheapest places to live in Colorado. The median home price in La Junta is around $86,000, making it an excellent option for those looking for an affordable place to live. Renting a one bedroom apartment in La Junta costs around $500 per month.
If you’re looking for a job, there are several industries that offer employment opportunities in La Junta. The biggest employers are the school district, health care, local government and retail. There are also some agricultural jobs available in the area.
La Junta offers a variety of activities and attractions to enjoy. The Historic Arkansas Riverwalk Park is a great spot to explore, with its scenic trails, bridges, and ponds. The Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site provides a glimpse into the past, while the Otero Museum of History and Art provides insight into the history of the town. Outdoor recreation enthusiasts can visit the nearby John Martin Reservoir State Park, which offers camping, fishing, swimming, and boating.
La Junta may not be as big or well-known as other Colorado towns, but it’s certainly worth considering if you’re looking for an affordable place to live. With its low cost of living, convenient location and variety of attractions, La Junta makes for an ideal home for anyone looking for a small-town feel.
Final Words
Colorado is an incredible place to live, offering a variety of climates and landscapes, numerous attractions, and plenty of outdoor recreation. Unfortunately, living in Colorado can come with a hefty price tag. That’s why it’s important to know which of the state’s cities offer the most affordable cost of living. From Durango to La Junta, these 10 cities provide some of the best deals for Colorado residents.
The quality of life in these towns varies greatly, and each offers something unique. If you’re looking for a low-cost way to enjoy the great outdoors, consider Alamosa, Canon City or Glenwood Springs. If you’re interested in a vibrant art and music scene, then you might want to explore Montrose or Salida. No matter what your preference, Colorado has something to offer everyone.
So if you’re looking for an affordable place to live in Colorado, any one of these cities would be a great choice. Just remember that even though these towns may be budget-friendly, you can still experience all that Colorado has to offer!
