Colorado is the Third Most Expensive State in the USA

So, we're just going to come right out and say it: Colorado is an expensive state to live in. It's not like that is a big secret, but it is kind of a hard fact to swallow. I have talked to numerous friends over the past couple of years, and they all say it's hard to live in the state we call home.

Colorado Is Getting Harder to Afford

New information from the Colorado Chamber of Commerce is backing up the claim of being an expensive state with the factors of cost of living, housing cost and supply, home ownership, and child care.

READ MORE: Colorado Ranks High for Shifting Middle-Class Income

One of the biggest factors when it comes to living in Colorado is the price of housing. It doesn't matter if you are looking for an apartment or a home; it's expensive to find a place to live. Colorado ranks 48th in the nation in housing affordability, with the median home price of $540,000.

Colorado Housing Affordability Ranks Near the Bottom

Overall, the cost of living in Colorado is 47th in the nation, and if you happen to have a toddler who needs child care, you are going to spend approximately $1,450 per month to access that much-needed care so that parents can work.

The cost to simply live in this state is what is driving people out. In 2025, more people fled the centennial state to other, cheaper locations than previously recorded in the past 20 years. Personally, I can see why. From my point of view, the increased cost of property taxes and homeowners' insurance rates makes it hard to swallow.

READ MORE: What It Takes to Live Comfortably in Denver

On the flip side, Colorado is still one of the most desirable states to live in across the United States. Many people come to Colorado for a vacation, then go home, and decide it would be a fantastic place to live. However, the costs to exist do add up quickly.

Want to learn more about how the cost of living affects living in Colorado? Visit cochamber.com to learn more.