Cost of Living in Basalt, CO
Population 3,995 · Colorado · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Basalt sits 276% above the national median — $1.1 million for the typical home — but median household incomes near $106,000 (42% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 3.0% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 105 miles west of Lakewood, Basalt is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 109% higher than Lakewood's $548,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Basalt
The median home value in Basalt is $1,148,100 — 276% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,188/month, 67% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $106,000/year is 42% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.0%, below the national average of 4.8%. Colorado's top state income tax rate is 4.4% and the combined sales tax is 7.8%. Overall, Basalt has a cost of living index of 292 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 192% more expensive.
Basalt has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Basalt, CO?
Basalt has a cost index of 292 (100 = national average). It is 192% above the national average.
What is average rent in Basalt, CO?
The median gross rent in Basalt is $2,188 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Basalt?
The median home value in Basalt is $1,148,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Basalt?
The median household income in Basalt is $106,000 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Basalt, CO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Basalt is 7.8%. The Colorado state income tax top rate is 4.4%.
Is Basalt, CO affordable?
Basalt is above average in cost of living, with an index of 292 — about 192% higher than the national average.
Basalt at a Glance
- Population
- 3,995
- Median Income
- $106,000
- Home Value
- $1,148,100
- Median Rent
- $2,188/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.0%
- Sales Tax
- 7.8%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Colorado Rankings
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