12 Most Affordable Places to Live in Colorado in 2024

Living in Colorado is paradise for anyone who loves the outdoors. From the majestic Rocky Mountains to Mesa Verde, hiking, skiing, and mountain biking, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. If Colorado sounds like the state for you, then you may also be curious about what cities fit into your budget. For example, the median home sale price in Colorado is $601,200 as of June. 

If that number is out of your budget, don’t worry. We’ve got options to help you find a home. Redfin has collected 12 of the most affordable places to live in Colorado. And the best part is that they all have a median home sale price under the state’s average. From Colorado Springs to Aurora, read on to see what cities you may want to consider moving to this year.

#1: Pueblo

Median home price: $275,000
Average sale price per square foot: $163
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,512
Median household income: $42,902
Nearest major metro: Colorado Springs (45 miles)
Pueblo, CO homes for sale
Pueblo, CO apartments for rent

With a median home sale price of $275,000, Pueblo claims the first spot on our list of affordable places to live in Colorado. Pueblo is home to roughly 111,900 residents and is about 45 miles away from Colorado Springs, the nearest major metro. Living in Pueblo, you can visit the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo, explore the Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum and the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center, or check out the Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center.

#2: Greeley

Median home price: $436,479
Average sale price per square foot: $185
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,200
Median household income: $57,537
Nearest major metro: Fort Collins (35 miles)
Greeley, CO homes for sale
Greeley, CO apartments for rent

The second most affordable city to live in Colorado is Greeley. The nearest metropolitan area is Fort Collins, which is approximately 35 miles northwest of Greeley. When living in this city of 108,800 people, you can spend the day outside at Island Grove Regional Park, check out Gateway Lakes Natural Area, or visit the Colorado Model Railroad Museum.

#3: Colorado Springs

Median home price: $455,000
Average sale price per square foot: $221
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,227
Median household income: $57,537
Nearest major metro: Denver (70 miles)
Colorado Springs, CO homes for sale
Colorado Springs, CO apartments for rent

Only slightly more expensive than Greely is none other than Colorado Springs. The second most populous city in Colorado, you can reach the nearest metro, Denver, in about 70 miles. With roughly 478,900 residents in Colorado Springs, make sure to visit the Garden of the Gods, tour the United States Air Force Academy, ride the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, and explore the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

#4: Grand Junction

Median home price: $465,000
Average sale price per square foot: $266
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $775
Median household income: $54,570
Grand Junction, CO homes for sale
Grand Junction, CO apartments for rent

Fourth is Grand Junction where about 65,600 residents currently live. The median home sale price is $465,000 which is about $135K less than the median home sale price in Colorado. If you find yourself moving to the third most affordable place in Colorado, explore the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens, and visit one of the many museums like Museum of the West or Eureka! McConnell Science Museum. You can also hike one of the trails and stop by Colorado National Monument.

#5: Aurora

Median home price: $482,750
Average sale price per square foot: $243
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,678
Median household income: $57,537
Nearest major metro: Denver (10 miles)
Aurora, CO homes for sale
Aurora, CO apartments for rent

Another great affordable city to consider moving to is Aurora, just outside of Denver. Home to 386,300 residents, this affordable town can be a great option to add to your list. Living in Aurora, you can check out the Plains Conservation Center, explore the city center, and fish or swim at Aurora Reservoir.

#6: Loveland

Median home price: $501,000
Average sale price per square foot: $228
Median household income: $72,515
Nearest major metro: Fort Collins (15 miles)
Loveland, CO homes for sale
Loveland, CO apartments for rent

Sixth on the list is another well-known city, Loveland, where you’ll find the home prices are about $100K less than the state’s average. With just about 76,400 people living in Loveland, it’s a great place to consider buying a house in. Make sure to enjoy a day by the lake at Lake Loveland or Boyd Lake State Park, explore Devil’s Backbone Open Space, or check out the sculptures at Benson Sculpture Garden.

#7: Thornton

Median home price: $521,250
Average sale price per square foot: $227
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,599
Median household income: $80,732
Nearest major metro: Denver (10 miles)
Thornton, CO homes for sale
Thornton, CO apartments for rent

Living in Colorado, it’s likely that you know of Thornton, the seventh city on our list. Nearly 141,800 residents call this affordable city home. Be sure to explore the 200-acre Pelican Ponds Open Space, check out the Trail Winds Recreation Center, and golf at one of the courses throughout the city once living in Thornton.

#8: Lakewood

Median home price: $530,525
Average sale price per square foot: $292
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,675
Median household income: $71,233
Nearest major metro: Denver (8 miles)
Lakewood, CO homes for sale
Lakewood, CO apartments for rent

A great place to consider moving to in Colorado is Lakewood. This Denver suburb is home to about 155,900 residents. Fun activities to do in Lakewood include camping, hiking, horseback riding, or swimming at Bear Creek Lake Park, heading to the famous Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre for a concert, and hiking up Green Mountain.

#9: Commerce City

Median home price: $533,000
Average sale price per square foot: $212
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,732
Median household income: $96,484
Nearest major metro: Denver (7 miles)
Commerce City, CO homes for sale
Commerce City, CO apartments for rent

If you’ve been living in the Denver-metro area for some time, you probably know of Commerce City. This Denver suburb has a median home sale price of $533,000, so it’s about 70K less than the state’s average. Commerce City is an awesome place to live, as you’ll find attractions like Buffalo Run Golf Course and the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, home to over 330 species, grasslands, wetlands, and scenic lakes. With about 68,200 residents in Commerce City, you’ll always find something new to explore.

#10: Westminster

Median home price: $535,000
Average sale price per square foot: $272
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,928
Median household income: $76,378
Nearest major metro: Denver (10 miles)
Westminster, CO homes for sale
Westminster, CO apartments for rent

Tenth on our list of affordable places to live in Colorado is Westminster. With a population of close to 116,300, living in Westminster is a great option for those looking for a mid-sized city. If you find yourself moving to this area make sure to spend the day at Standley Lake Regional Park & Wildlife Refuge where you can fish, boat, and camp, visit the Butterfly Pavilion home to over 1,500 butterflies, or explore the many local shops and restaurants.

#11: Longmont

Median home price: $568,990
Average sale price per square foot: $274
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment:  $1,738
Median household income: $96,484
Nearest major metro: Denver (35 miles)
Longmont, CO homes for sale
Longmont, CO apartments for rent

Home to about 98,600 residents, Longmont is a great city to consider living in, especially if you’re looking to be close to nature. Longmont is close to the Rocky Mountain National Park, where you can hike up Longs Peak and Bear Lake Trail. It’s also near Golden Ponds Park and Hall Ranch Open Space, so you’ll have plenty of outdoor activities. Longmont’s charming downtown is full of local shops and restaurants, like The Roost and Longs Peak Pub & Taphouse. This affordable city has so much to offer its residents. 

#12: Fort Collins

Median home price: $580,000
Average sale price per square foot: $255
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,644
Median household income: $70,528
Nearest major metro: Denver (65 miles)
Fort Collins, CO homes for sale
Fort Collins, CO apartments for rent

Finishing off our list is Fort Collins, where the median home sale price is $580,000. This city has a population of 169,800, there is plenty to do in your free time living in Fort Collins. You can explore the Old Town Historic District where you’ll find homes dating back to the 1800s, trolleys, and charming shops, check out the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, and visit Riverbend Ponds Natural Area.

Methodology: All cities must have over 50,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price under the average median home sale price in Colorado. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during June 2024. Average rental data from Rent.com July 2023. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.

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