Top 10 Affordable Cities in Colorado

By Drew Port

Jun. 11, 2025 at 4:00 AM CST

Looking for mountain views without the mile-high price?

Colorado isn’t just about alpine hikes and craft beer. It's also home to surprisingly affordable cities with big lifestyle perks and homebuyer assistance.

Why it matters: Homebuyers chasing nature and value can still find it here, especially with local incentives and low property taxes.

What’s ahead: We’ll reveal 10 of Colorado’s budget-friendly cities where affordability meets access and adventure.

1. Federal Heights – Denver suburb with down-to-earth charm and quick city access

Pop: 13,971 | Median Home Value: $409,000 | Median Household Income: $57,957

Cost of Living Index: 121.3 (21.3% above national average)
Property Tax Rate: 0.74%
Median Property Tax: $2,809
Major Industries: Denver metro industries, local government, service and retail
Mean Commute Time: 32 min
Amenities: Nature reserves, golf, museums, 30-min from Denver

Why it’s #1: Affordable housing meets family-friendly living with nature reserves, museums, and a 30-minute ride to downtown Denver.

2. Sterling – A quiet plains town where heritage and hospitality thrive

Pop: 13,114 | Median Home Value: $205,200 | Median Household Income: $44,242

Cost of Living Index: 80.8 (19.2% below national average)
Property Tax Rate: 0.57%
Median Property Tax: $1,085
Major Industries: Northeastern Junior College, agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing
Mean Commute Time: 13 min
Amenities: Small-town vibe, museums, lively downtown, Pawnee National Grasslands

Why it’s special: This northeastern hub is rich in history and outdoor options like the Overland Trail Museum and Pawnee Grasslands.

3. Fort Morgan – Wide-open skies, small-town life, and scenic escapes

Pop: 11,835 | Median Home Value: $259,900 | Median Household Income: $59,121

Cost of Living Index: 87.6 (12.4% below national average)
Property Tax Rate: 0.57%
Median Property Tax: $1,375
Major Industries: Agriculture, manufacturing, Morgan Community College, healthcare
Mean Commute Time: 17 min
Amenities: Hike, South Platte River, quaint downtown, vibrant music scene

Why it’s a win: From riverside hikes to alpaca farms, Fort Morgan offers natural beauty with a low cost of living.

4. Pueblo – History-rich, art-friendly, and full of riverfront energy

Pop: 111,166 | Median Home Value: $230,900 | Median Household Income: $55,305

Cost of Living Index: 90.3 (9.7% below national average)
Property Tax Rate: 0.69%
Median Property Tax: $1,478
Major Industries: Steel fabrication, education, healthcare, retail
Mean Commute Time: 19 min
Amenities: Lake Pueblo State Park, Arkansas Riverwalk

Why it shines: Live along the Arkansas River, explore state parks, or dive into local culture downtown.

5. Cañon City – An adventure hub in Colorado’s high desert

Pop: 17,098 | Median Home Value: $325,000 | Median Household Income: $66,068

Cost of Living Index: 85 (15% below national average)
Property Tax Rate: 0.59%
Median Property Tax: $1,779
Major Industries: Corrections, tourism, healthcare
Mean Commute Time: 19 min
Amenities: Garden Park Fossil Area, Royal Gorge, and Red Canyon Park

Why it’s great: With Royal Gorge Bridge, fossil sites, and river rafting, this is paradise for outdoorsy types.

6. Greeley – College-town perks with big-sky horizons

Pop: 114,363 | Median Home Value: $369,600 | Median Household Income: $68,650

Cost of Living Index: 113.4 (13.4% above national average)
Property Tax Rate: 0.46%
Median Property Tax: $1,578
Major Industries: University of Northern Colorado, healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture
Mean Commute Time: 25 min
Amenities: Between Denver and Cheyenne, shops, restaurants, parks

The allure: With a lively downtown and scenic trails, Greeley blends education and energy.

7. Evans – A growing gateway to both mountain escapes and metro jobs

Pop: 22,394 | Median Home Value: $326,300 | Median Household Income: $72,926

Cost of Living Index: 113.4 (13.4% above national average)
Property Tax Rate: 0.48%
Median Property Tax: $1,453
Major Industries: Education, construction, energy services
Mean Commute Time: 27 min
Amenities: Near Greeley, Fort Collins, Rocky Mountain National Park

Why it’s appealing: Just outside Greeley and an hour to Denver, Evans is perfect for commuters and nature lovers alike.

8. Montrose – A Western Slope gem with a backyard full of adventure

Pop: 21,646 | Median Home Value: $359,000 | Median Household Income: $63,177

Cost of Living Index: 95.4 (4.6% below national average)
Property Tax Rate: 0.49%
Median Property Tax: $1,632
Major Industries: Healthcare, construction, retail
Mean Commute Time: 21 min
Amenities: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Montrose Botanic Gardens, and museums

The draw: Surrounded by parks and national forests, Montrose offers unbeatable scenery and affordability.

9. Northglenn – Sunny suburbia with Rocky Mountain views and urban perks

Pop: 38,287 | Median Home Value: $440,900 | Median Household Income: $79,530

Cost of Living Index: 121.3 (21.3% above national average)
Property Tax Rate: 0.64%
Median Property Tax: $2,619
Major Industries: Healthcare, education, construction
Mean Commute Time: 27 min
Amenities: Rocky Mountain views, 300 days of sunshine, museums, Croke Reservoir

What’s noteworthy: With walkable trails, tasty eats, and 300 days of sunshine, Northglenn blends comfort and convenience.

10. Grand Junction – Wine country meets canyon country

Pop: 70,554 | Median Home Value: $358,300 | Median Household Income: $66,676

Cost of Living Index: 91.1 (0.9% below national average)
Property Tax Rate: 0.5%
Median Property Tax: $1,662
Major Industries: Healthcare, Colorado Mesa University, tourism
Mean Commute Time: 16 min
Amenities: Western slope of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado National Monument, and
James M. Robb Colorado River State Park

The draw: Set among mesas and vineyards, Grand Junction is packed with outdoor options and economic opportunity.

The Bottom Line

Colorado isn’t just for thrill-seekers and snow bunnies.It’s home to budget-friendly cities packed with natural beauty, community spirit, and economic diversity.

Whether you want quiet plains, mountain views, or city access, these affordable spots offer smart places to plant roots.