6 Pros and Cons of Living in Colorado

Colorado is one of the most popular places to live in the Mountain West, offering residents bountiful natural beauty, strong career opportunities, and a vibrant cultural scene. With four national parks, more than 40 state parks, and about 245 days of sunshine each year, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and young, active families.

Booming industries in tech, aerospace, and renewable energy keep the job market strong, but the appeal comes at a cost. High housing prices, traffic, and altitude challenges can make daily life more complex. Before you make the move, here’s a closer look at the biggest pros and cons of living in Colorado.

Methodology: We used internal data and cross-referenced with neighborhood data from Apartments.com to give you the most accurate snapshot of rents across our Washington, D.C., neighborhood picks as of August 2025. Crime grades are from CrimeGrade.org and Weichert. We further contextualize those rents using cost-of-living scores from BestPlaces.net and median household income figures from the Census Bureau.*

Key Insights

• Cost of living: Colorado’s overall cost of living is 20% above the U.S. average, with Boulder and Denver among the most expensive metros.
• Housing costs: Median home prices top $576,000 in Denver and nearly $1 million in Boulder, while statewide the median is $527,200.
• Job market: Unemployment is at 4.5% (July 2025), slightly above the national average, but industries like tech, aerospace, healthcare, and renewable energy continue to drive growth.
• Culture: Red Rocks concerts, craft beer, locally-sourced dining, and seasonal festivals give the state a strong cultural identity beyond its outdoors.
• Lifestyle trade-offs: Sunshine and mountain access are balanced by challenges like altitude adjustment, wildfires, snowy commutes, and crowded ski-season traffic on I-70.

Quick Facts About Colorado

1. Pro: Outdoor living and lots of sunshine

Colorado enjoys around 245 days of sunshine a year, making it ideal for adventure seekers. From skiing in Aspen, hiking the Flatirons in Boulder, biking through Denver’s Cherry Creek Trail, or simply enjoying a fall time backyard barbecue flanked by stunning mountain views. With four national parks and more than 40 state parks, in Colorado there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the outdoors.

2. Con: The Altitude and environmental risks

Colorado’s higher elevation can take time to adjust to, and the dry climate leaves many reaching for water bottles and body lotion. Winters bring heavy snow and icy commutes, while summers increasingly mean wildfire smoke and periods of drought. If you’re not prepared, the “high and dry” lifestyle can feel more like a hurdle than a perk.

3. Pro: Strong job market and education hubs

Industries like tech, aerospace, renewable energy, and healthcare power Colorado’s economy where the median household income is $97,113. Denver and Boulder remain magnets for startups and Fortune 500 companies, while college towns such as Fort Collins and Boulder are always on the forefront of innovation.

4. Con: Expensive housing and rental market

Colorado’s natural beauty and steady job market come at a cost. Housing prices are well above the national average, with Denver’s median home price topping $576,000 and Boulder nearing $1 million. Renters face stiff competition in desirable neighborhoods, and even groceries and utilities trend higher than other parts of the country.

5. Pro: Culture, food, and community

From catching a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre to sipping a craft IPA in Fort Collins, Colorado’s outdoor lifestyle comes with a strong sense of community and culture. Boulder and Denver’s restaurant scenes are known for inventive, locally sourced dishes, and the state’s brewpubs produce award-winning beers. Smaller towns round it out with history, art galleries, and seasonal festivals that bring people together.

6. Con: Traffic and transit challenges

With close to six million people, Colorado’s population growth has brought about the usual complaints. Denver traffic is notorious, especially along I-25 and ski-season backups on I-70. Public transit is improving but limited outside metro areas, leaving most residents car-dependent. For those drawn to quieter suburbs or mountain towns, long and unpredictable commutes are common.

Is Colorado a Good Place to Live?

Colorado is a popular choice for renters who value mountain access and year-round outdoor adventures without giving up modern conveniences. With a thriving job market and natural beauty almost everywhere you look, it’s no surprise the cost of living reflects that appeal, housing and daily expenses are well above the U.S. average, especially in Boulder and Denver.

While costs run higher than the U.S. average, renters can choose from downtown high-rises in Denver, historic homes in Boulder, family-friendly suburbs in Colorado Springs, or trail-adjacent living in Fort Collins.

As of July 2025, the unemployment rate sits at 4.5%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.2%. While statewide net migration has slowed, declining by 52.5% over the past decade, Colorado still attracts newcomers with its sunshine, recreational access, and career opportunities in tech, aerospace, and renewable energy. For many, the chance to ski in the morning, catch a concert under the stars, and sip a local craft beer after work makes the higher price tag worth it.

What’s It Like Living in Colorado?

Active, outdoorsy, and ever-growing, Colorado blends the energy of a bustling metro with the laid-back lifestyle of the mountains. Residents spend weekends hiking the Flatirons in Boulder, skiing Summit County slopes, or catching a concert under the stars at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. With nearly 300 days of sunshine, staying active is the lifestyle, whether biking Denver’s Cherry Creek Trail, exploring Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, or heading into the Rockies for a quick getaway.

All that adventure comes with some trade-offs. Housing in Denver and Boulder is far above the national average and the traffic bottlenecks on I-25 and I-70 are a daily frustration, especially on ski weekends. Add in the altitude and dry air (which can take weeks to adjust to) and Colorado living isn’t always as effortless as it looks on a postcard.

What’s the Culture Like in Colorado?

Colorado’s culture is a mix of outdoor living and cultural diversity. Denver’s thriving food and craft beer scene sees annual events like the Great American Beer Festival and year-round concerts at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, while the Santa Fe Arts District highlights local art and talent.

Beyond Denver, Boulder has a college-town spirit with a focus on wellness and the outdoors along with an innovative restaurant and startup scene. Colorado Springs offers a more family-oriented pace while still hosting community events and drawing on its military heritage. Across the state, festivals like Cinco de Mayo, Telluride Film Festival, and numerous ski-town music and food fests bring together locals and newcomers.

Overall, Colorado’s culture is welcoming, active, and deeply tied to both community and the outdoors.

What’s the Cost of Living in Colorado?

Colorado’s cost of living is well above the national average, driven largely by housing costs. The statewide index sits at 120.5 compared to the U.S. baseline of 100, with housing nearly 68% higher than average and the median home price at $527,200 versus $338,100 nationally.

In major cities, the gap is even larger. Denver’s overall index is 127.6, while Boulder’s soars to 141.3. Housing costs are the biggest factor, median home prices reach about $576,000 in Denver and nearly $1 million in Boulder. Everyday expenses like groceries, transportation, and miscellaneous costs also run higher, though health and utilities are slightly below the U.S. average.

We also took a look at how the data for cost of living categories broke down for Colorado and cities like Denver and Boulder.

100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)

How Is the Job Market in Colorado?

The state’s unemployment rate currently sits at 4.5% which is down from 4.7% from the start of 2025. The median household income is $92,911 which is above the national median of $80,610.

Colorado’s job market is one of the strongest in the Mountain West. Across the state, key industries include aerospace and defense (Lockheed Martin), tech, bioscience, finance (Charles Schwab), healthcare (Kaiser Permanente), energy, and renewable resources. The outdoor recreation industry also plays a major role, contributing more than $13.9 billion annually to the state economy and supporting over 130,000 jobs.

Employment opportunities aren’t just focused in Denver:

• Colorado Springs: Aerospace, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing
• Fort Collins: High-tech firms, clean energy companies, and research tied to Colorado State University
• Metro Denver: Financial services, IT, and healthcare sectors
• Statewide: Home to Fortune 500 companies like Arrow Electronics, Newmont, DaVita, and Ball Corporation, reinforcing Colorado’s reputation as a hub for advanced industries

Unemployment usually stays below the national average, showing consistent demand for workers. For renters, this means good career prospects, though competition for top roles can be high.

How Safe Is Colorado?

Colorado’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average, though state data shows some improvement. The homicide rate has gone down 18% from 2024, reaching its lowest level since 2019.

Safety varies greatly by location. Neighborhood Scout singles out smaller towns like Larkspur, Kim, and Hooper rank among the safest in the state, while larger metro areas such as Denver, Colorado Springs, and Aurora have a D- Crime Grade score.

In Denver, violent crime is down about 9% and auto theft has fallen 33% year over year. The city also reported its lowest midyear homicide rate in more than a decade, a shift attributed to stronger enforcement, increased police presence, and higher case solve rates. Still, nightlife districts like LoDo and East Colfax tend to see more incidents than quieter residential neighborhoods, so renters should review local data before choosing where to live.

What Are Schools Like in Colorado?

Colorado has strong K–12 options, respected universities and public research universities. Notable high schools include Colorado Academy, Denver School of the Artsand Stargate Charter Schoolwith Cherry Creek schools in Denver particularly highly rated.

For higher education, the University of Denver, University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado State University draw students nationwide, offering everything from arts-focused programs to large research institutions.

Is Colorado a Good Place to Raise a Family?

Denver attracts families looking to live close to parks, playgrounds, and year-round outdoor activities, along with access to cultural attractions like museums and the zoo. Neighborhoods such as Washington Park West and Central Park provide walkable schools, green spaces and community amenities while staying close to downtown.

Statewide, Colorado scores well on Niche for family-friendly living, thanks to its mix of outdoor recreation, quality schools in many suburbs, and access to modern amenities. Boulder earns A+ marks for schools and quality of life, while Fort Collins combines a welcoming college-town atmosphere with highly rated public schools and abundant outdoor trails. In the south, Colorado Springs neighborhoods such as Briargate, Rockrimmon, and Woodmoor offer a quieter pace with parks, schools, and family-oriented amenities.

Whether you prefer a vibrant metro or a suburban enclave, Colorado provides a range of communities where families can enjoy an active, outdoors-focused lifestyle.

What Are Some Popular Cities in Colorado?

The Centennial State has many options to live amidst fresh mountain air, beautiful scenery and tight communities. In Boulder, the college-town energy mixes with trails and a strong culture of wellness. Colorado Springs blends military heritage with family-friendly suburbs like Briargate and Rockrimmon, all set against the backdrop of Pikes Peak. While Denver balances a bustling downtown and cultural scene with outdoor-oriented neighborhoods like Washington Park and Central Park. Here’s a look at average rent prices in some of Colorado’s most popular cities:

Is Living in Colorado Right for You?

If you’re moving to Colorado, weigh the trade-offs of strong job opportunities with a higher-than-average cost of living to see if it’s the right fit. Ready to find your best match? Take Apartment List’s personalized quiz to discover the perfect Colorado home for your budget and lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Colorado

What is Colorado known for?

Colorado is best known for the Rocky Mountains, world-class ski resorts, and abundant outdoor recreation. It also has a thriving craft beer industry, a strong aerospace presence, and growing tech hubs in Denver and Boulder.

What are the downsides of living in Colorado?

The high cost of housing. Home prices and rents in cities like Denver (27.6%) and Boulder (41.3%) are far above the national average putting pressure on budgets. Daily life also comes with challenges like traffic congestion, limited public transit outside urban areas, and environmental challenges like dry air, snowy winters, and wildfire risks.

Why are people moving to Colorado?

Many newcomers are drawn to the Rocky Mountains, more than 245 days of sunshine, and year-round outdoor recreation such as skiing, hiking, and biking. Colorado’s job market is also expanding in tech, aerospace, healthcare, renewable energy, and professional services, making it attractive for both work and play.

What are the biggest risks of living in Colorado?

Renters should carefully weigh environmental and safety risks like wildfires, drought, and extreme weather, particularly outside major metros. Crime rates in larger cities like Denver and Colorado Springs are also higher than the national average, though smaller towns and suburbs tend to be safer.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Colorado?

To live comfortably in Denver or Boulder, according to Sperling’s Best Places, a single adult typically needs to earn $63,600–$68,000 annually to cover rent, transportation, and daily expenses. Families will need higher incomes, especially in areas with high home values. MIT’s Living Wage estimates Colorado’s living wage to be $25.47 per hour for a single person or $32.90 for a family with two children.

Is Colorado expensive to live in?

Colorado’s overall cost of living is 20.5% above the national average, mainly due to housing. Cities like Boulder and Denver are among the priciest, with one bedroom rents averaging $2,395 and $1,809, while smaller towns like Colorado Springs see one bedroom rents for about $1,465 which is a bit more affordable.

What is the weather like in Colorado?

Colorado enjoys on average 245 days of sunshine a year. The weather can change quickly, locals often say, “wait five minutes and it will shift.” Expect snowy winters, mild springs, warm summers, and, in recent years, occasional wildfire smoke and drought conditions.

Is Colorado a safe place to live?

Safety varies widely by location. Smaller towns like Larkspur or Hooper report relatively low crime rate compared to the rest of the United States but larger cities such as Denver, Aurora, and Colorado Springs have crime rates above the national average.

What are the best cities in Colorado for families?

Niche.com rates Boulder, Fort Collins, and certain Colorado Springs suburbs highly for schools, amenities, and family-friendly living.

Do you need a car to live in Colorado?

Yes. While Denver, Englewood and Boulder have an above average Walk Score, you do still need a car to live in Colorado. In Denver, public transit options exist but are limited compared to other major U.S. metros. Most residents rely on cars, especially in suburban or mountain areas where services are more spread out.

What are the taxes like in Colorado?

Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4% (as of 2025), along with local sales taxes that vary by city and county, some as much as 11.2% (combined) . Property taxes at 0.48% are relatively low compared to other states.

Is it hard to adjust to Colorado’s altitude?

It can be. Denver sits at 5,280 feet, and many mountain towns are even higher. Newcomers often experience altitude sickness, fatigue, headaches, or shortness of breath. Staying hydrated, easing into physical activity, and giving your body a few weeks to adapt usually helps with the transition.