Cheapest Places to Live in Colorado: 2025 Guide to Affordable Cities & Areas

Dreaming of Colorado’s mountain views without the mile-high price tag? You’re not alone. As housing prices skyrocket in Denver, Boulder, and ski towns like Aspen, more people are asking: Where’s the cheapest place to live in Colorado that’s still livable?

Good news: they exist—and they’re awesome. From cozy high-desert towns to hidden-gem cities with full amenities, this guide covers the most affordable places to live in Colorado right now. We’re talking lower rent, cheaper groceries, and neighborhoods where you don’t have to trade comfort for cost.

Whether you're moving for work, remote living, retirement, or just to stop paying $2,500 for a one-bedroom apartment, this list of the inexpensive places to live in Colorado will help you find a city that fits your budget and your lifestyle.

Top 10 Most Affordable Places to Live in Colorado

Below you’ll find our handpicked list of the most affordable places to live in Colorado, each with solid rent data, local flavor, and reasons why they’re more than just “cheap.” These towns and cities aren't just easy on the wallet; they’re some of the best places to live in Colorado, affordable, period. With amber you can even book the best student apartments in Colorado for the best price.

Whether you want desert sunshine, alpine forests, or just a place to call home without draining your savings, there’s something here for every kind of budget-conscious Coloradan.

Here are the cheapest places to live in Colorado, based on rent, cost of living, and overall value:

Pueblo

Cost of Living - $2,425 per month

Nearby University - Pueblo Community College (PCC)

Pueblo is hands-down one of the cheapest places to live in Colorado, and we’re not just talking about rent. It’s got low housing prices, affordable groceries, and utility costs that don’t break the bank. Average rent? Around $1,100. Median home price? Just over $250K. For Colorado, that’s borderline unheard of.

Located about two hours south of Denver, Pueblo sits on the edge of the Arkansas River and has this gritty, artsy vibe that’s surprisingly cool. Steel City’s still got industry, but it’s also full of coffee shops, murals, and festivals that scream, “Hey, we’ve got soul.” It’s one of those affordable cities in Colorado where you can actually buy a house without selling your organs.

Lamar

Cost of living - $2,340 per month

Nearby University - Lamar Community College

Next up: Lamar. It’s not flashy, and that’s kind of the point. What it is is cheap. Like, the cheapest city to live in Colorado. Tucked into the southeastern plains, Lamar’s the type of town where folks know your name, parking is never a problem, and property taxes are almost laughably low.

This little agricultural hub makes our list of the most affordable places to live in Colorado for a reason: homes regularly sell for under $200K, and rental prices hover around $800–$900. And even though it’s small, it’s got charm, historic buildings, annual rodeos, and one of the few drive-in theaters still running.

Greeley

Cost of living - $2,001 per month

Nearby University - University of Northern Colorado (UNC)

Greeley might surprise you. This former farming town has evolved into one of the fastest-growing cities in northern Colorado, and despite the growth, it remains one of the best places to live in Colorado, affordable enough to fit nearly any budget.

What makes Greeley stand out? It’s home to the University of Northern Colorado, which means it has a youthful energy and a decent job market. Rent is around $1,400-$1,600 for a one-bedroom, which, considering how close you are to Fort Collins and Denver, is a bargain. Median home prices hover in the mid $400s.

In terms of value, Greeley is one of the cheapest places to live in Colorado that also gives you real suburban perks parks, breweries, walkable neighborhoods, and more. It’s an affordable place to live in Colorado that feels a little like a big city… just without the stress.

Grand Junction

Cost of living - $2,900 per month

Nearby University - Colorado Mesa University (CMU)

Grand Junction is one of those places that surprises people. Nestled between red rock canyons and wine country (yep, Colorado has wine country), it’s often overlooked, but it shouldn't be. With a median home price around $465 K and average rent under $1,400, it’s a solid pick for anyone scouting the cheapest places to live in Colorado that still have a touch of city life.

This western Colorado hub is known for outdoor adventures, biking, hiking, rafting, you name it. But it’s also got a growing downtown, an artsy vibe, and better-than-expected healthcare options. That makes it one of the best places to live in Colorado, affordable for both families and retirees.

Trinidad

Cost of living - $2,533 per month

Nearby University - Trinidad State College

If you’re looking for true affordability with old-school charm, Trinidad should be high on your list. Sitting just above the New Mexico border, this quirky little town has become one of the most affordable places to live in Colorado, especially for creatives, freelancers, and anyone who loves a slower pace.

Median home prices are shockingly low, think under $250K and rental rates are in the $900s. It’s one of the cheapest cities to live in Colorado, and bonus: it’s beautiful. The town is loaded with Victorian architecture, artist studios, and mountain views that feel like a postcard.

Fort Morgan

Cost of living - $3,800

Nearby University - Morgan Community College

Fort Morgan is proof that affordability and community can go hand in hand. This quiet agricultural town northeast of Denver has been flying under the radar for years, but that’s starting to change. Thanks to a low cost of living and strong local economy, Fort Morgan is quickly becoming one of the cheapest places to live in Colorado, especially for working families.

You’ll find three-bedroom homes in the $250K–$300K range, and rent typically stays under $1,200. Groceries, utilities, and even gas tend to be cheaper here, too. In short, it’s one of those affordable places to live in Colorado where your money stretches way further than you'd expect.

There’s also a strong sense of neighborly pride here. Festivals, parades, and Friday night football are big deals. So if you want a real-deal community and one of the cheapest cities to live in Colorado, Fort Morgan might be your perfect fit.

Brush

Cost of living - $1,440 per month

Nearby University - Morgan Community College

Brush might be small, but when it comes to affordability? It punches way above its weight. Located just east of Fort Morgan, this no-frills farming town is easily one of the cheapest places to live in Colorado, especially if you're looking to own rather than rent.

Homes here often list below $230K, and rentals (when you can find them) hover around $850 to $1,000. That’s well below what you’d pay in almost any other part of the state. So if you’re after the cheapest area to live in Colorado that’s quiet, safe, and close to nature, Brush is seriously underrated.

There’s not much nightlife (unless you count bonfires), but what it lacks in flash, it makes up for in tight-knit community vibes and that classic small-town pace. Brush is absolutely one of the affordable places to live in Colorado, where simplicity = savings.

Colorado Springs

Cost of living - $2,421 per month

Nearby University - University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS)

Colorado Springs isn't the most affordable city in Colorado, but it certainly is a hidden gem when it comes to value. Set at the foothills of Pikes Peak, this city has the great feel of a mountain town, while still offering all the amenities of an urban center (without Denver prices). 

There is more than enough opportunities to find neighborhoods that offer reasonable living costs, especially homes in Security-Widefield or Fountain, with home values often under $300K, and rents are typically between $1,000 and $1,300, making it a win for students, young professionals, or anyone wanting to live in a city for a fraction of the cost. 

In terms of nightlife, don't expect to find party houses, but if you like the outdoors, then you won't be disappointed. You've got plenty of options around, such as Garden of the Gods, trails, and bike paths. If you love cheap rent, fresh air, and space to breathe in a fun, but not obnoxiously large city, Colorado Springs is your answer!

Alamosa

Cost of living - $2,500 per month

Nearby University - Adams State University

Let’s talk about Alamosa. Tucked into the San Luis Valley, surrounded by mountains and sand dunes, this high-desert town is one of the most affordable places to live in Colorado and one of the prettiest, too.

Median home price? Right around $280K. Average rent? Often under $1,000. But the kicker? Alamosa feels like a postcard. You’ve got easy access to the Great Sand Dunes National Park, hot springs, and stargazing so good it feels surreal. It’s one of those affordable places to live in Colorado that flies completely under the radar.

Cañon City

Cost of living - $2,600 per month

Nearby University - Colorado State University Pueblo

Rounding out our list is Cañon City, yep, the one with the Royal Gorge. But this river-hugging town is more than a tourist stop. It’s an underrated gem that’s firmly one of the cheapest cities to live in Colorado, especially for families and nature lovers.

With median home prices under $320K and rentals around $1,100, it’s super reasonable for what you get: mountain views, river trails, a charming downtown, and shockingly good weather. It’s dry, sunny, and not nearly as cold as most high-altitude towns.

For folks who want the best places to live in Colorado affordable, but also crave some adventure and local character, Cañon City checks all the boxes. Plus, the crime rate is low, the schools are decent, and there’s always something going on, especially outdoors.

Why Choose Affordable Cities in Colorado?

Let’s be real: Colorado’s expensive. Between Denver’s skyrocketing housing market and ski towns where a latte costs more than lunch, finding the cheapest place to live in Colorado can feel like a wild goose chase. But it is possible, and honestly, these budget-friendly towns? They come with perks that the big cities don’t.

Living in the most affordable places to live in Colorado doesn’t mean giving up quality of life. Quite the opposite. You still get mountain views, fresh air, outdoor adventure, and community but without the credit card trauma. Whether you're after peace in Brush or a vibrant scene in Pueblo, these affordable places to live in Colorado offer space, sanity, and serious savings.

Plus, the cheapest cities to live in Colorado tend to have lower taxes, lower utility costs, and more available housing. That means your paycheck actually goes further. If your goal is to enjoy Colorado without having to sacrifice your budget or sanity, these towns are your golden ticket.

What Makes These Cities Affordable?

So what’s the secret sauce? Why are some cities wallet-friendly while others eat your savings for breakfast?

A lot of it comes down to location and demand. Towns like Lamar or Fort Morgan aren’t tourist magnets, which means less competition for housing and lower living costs across the board. No lines, no $20 cocktails, just real value. That’s what puts them on the map as the cheapest area to live in Colorado.

Employment markets also play a role. These affordable cities in Colorado tend to have strong but steady job opportunities, not booming tech hubs, but stable industries like agriculture, education, and manufacturing. That creates housing that’s built for locals, not investors. The result? Cities where you can afford to live and breathe.