Experts rank Colorado among the best states to live in for its strong economy, excellent education and health care systems, exceptional quality of life, safe streets, and affordable properties. Add in its reputation for craft-brewing excellence, scenic surroundings, and clean, fresh air, and it’s not hard to see why people want to call Colorado home. With this extra demand comes higher rents in some of Colorado’s most iconic locations. However, you can still find some attractive and cheap places to live in Colorado. If your budget is tight, consider relocating to one of these affordable places to live in Colorado.
Trinidad, Las Animas County
The median household income in Trinidad is at $37,870, well below the state average of $77,127. However, crunch the numbers, and you’ll soon see you don’t need to make a lot of money to make the most of life here. Professionals in many industries, including social service, education, construction, maintenance, and repairs earn more money than the national average for their occupations.
Trinidad is a small town in southern Colorado, near the New Mexico border. Residents enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with an emphasis on recreation, including fishing or boating in Trinidad Lake State Park. The park also has 11 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. The historic downtown area features boutique stores and restaurants that aim to please all tastes and budgets.
You’ll find some of the cheapest housing in Colorado in Trinidad. The median monthly rent for a studio apartment in Trinidad is only $675, much less than the average national rent of $1,097. Since Trinidad is a small town, you may find limited rental options. Act quickly when you see listings in Trinidad, one of the cheapest places to live in Colorado.
Grand Junction, Mesa County
Grand Junction is another border city worth considering when you want to save money. Median household incomes are at $49,849, but many professionals earn more money than the national average for their sectors. If you work in the sciences, social services, sales, construction, or transportation industries, you’re likely to earn more money here than you would in other American cities.
Grand Junction has a reputation as one of the state’s safest communities, and it’s very popular with families. They enjoy all the recreational opportunities Grand Junction provides. Since the municipality sits on the banks of the Colorado River, you might want to invest in a kayak or paddleboard. The hiking trails near the river are also some of the state’s most beautiful. Golf Digest ranked the Golf Club at Redlands Mesa among the state’s best public golf courses. Avalon Theatre, the Museum of the West, and diverse restaurants await in downtown Grand Junction.
Despite its many attractions, Grand Junction remains one of the cheapest places to live in Colorado. Its family-friendly appeal extends to its property market. Two-bedroom apartments are less than the national average, with a monthly median price of $1,070. Studios and one-bedroom apartments are cheaper at around $650 and $800, respectively. You’ll find most of the city’s cheapest rentals in the north and northeast portions of Grand Junction.
Alamosa, Alamosa County
Alamosa is another excellent choice for families who want to save money. Median household incomes in this tight-knit community are less than the national average at $34,840. However, you could earn much more than that amount if you have more experience. Health practitioners in Alamosa earn an average of $114,688, substantially higher than the national average of $64,417. Professionals in cleaning and maintenance, farming, forestry, fishing, and the construction industries also earn more in Alamosa than in many cities.
Nestled between the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo mountains, Alamosa makes sure locals are never too far from their next big adventure. The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Zapata Falls are breathtakingly beautiful. The whole family can have fun at Blanca Vista Park, which has a dog park, two picnic areas, and well-marked trails for hiking and biking. See elk, mule deer, jackrabbits, and a range of native and migrating birds at Alamosa Wildlife Refuge. With more than 300 days of sunshine every year, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to explore all of Alamosa’s natural wonders.
Since Alamosa is a family-friendly community, studios and one-bedroom apartments are in short supply. However, even singles can afford larger apartments here. The monthly median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Alamosa is at $750. Even three-bedroom apartments cost less than the national average, with a monthly median rental price of $1,025. If you need a multi-room dwelling, these low prices may make it the cheapest city to live in Colorado.
Canon City, Fremont County
Many of the cities around the Rockies are expensive, but Canon City is one of the cheaper places to live in Colorado. The median household income is $44,422, which is under the state average. However, employees in many sectors earn more money than the national industry average, including people working locally in the sciences, maintenance and repairs, production, and material moving.
As you might imagine, given its location at the base of the Rocky Mountains, you’ll find plenty to do around Canon City. Local recreational facilities, including Arkansas Riverwalk Trail, John Griffin Regional Park, Red Canyon Park, and the South Canon Trails, encourage locals to connect with nature. Royal Gorge Bridge, one of the highest bridges on the planet at 955 feet above the Arkansas River, is also just outside the city limits. Fremont Civic Theatre, Fremont Center for the Arts, and friendly local restaurants are all close to home, while Colorado Springs and Pueblo are both within easy driving distance.
The monthly median rent for a studio apartment in Canon City is only $550, making it one of the cheapest cities to live in Colorado. If you prefer separate sleeping and living quarters, a one-bedroom apartment is still less than the national average at approximately $900 a month.
If you’re ready to relocate to Colorado, or you’re already here and looking for a more affordable rental, browse Zumper listings to find the cheapest place to live in Colorado.
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