Colorado's cost of living index is 110 — 10.0% above the US average of 100. Compare purchasing power and equivalent salaries across states.
CoL Index
110
US avg = 100
vs. National Avg
+10.0%
More expensive
Median Income
$77,127
Colorado median household
Equiv. at US Avg
$70,115
Same purchasing power
| CoL Index | 110 | MIT/MERIC composite index (US avg = 100) |
| vs. National | +10.0% | Above average cost |
| Median Household Income | $77,127 | Colorado median (2023 ACS) |
| National Purchasing Power | $70,115 | Equivalent $ at US avg CoL |
| Overall Category | High | Qualitative classification |
| Population | 5,773,714 | 2020 US Census |
With a cost of living index of 110, Colorado is 10% above the national average. Higher costs in Colorado mean your dollar stretches less far than in most states. A salary of $77,127 in Colorado provides the equivalent purchasing power of $70,115 in a state with average cost of living.
Housing is typically the largest driver of cost of living differences between states.Colorado's median home price of $540,000 is significantly above the national median of approximately $310,000. Other factors include state income tax (4.4% top rate in Colorado), sales tax (2.90% state rate), and local property tax rates (0.51%).
