Cost of Living in Breckenridge, CO

Population 5,001 · Colorado · Data vintage 2023

193
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Home prices in Breckenridge run well above the national baseline, with a median of $757,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $132,666 place the city among the better-paid Colorado metros. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 0.7% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Breckenridge is about 50 miles west of Lakewood, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 38% higher than Lakewood's $548,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 248
Rent 109

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Breckenridge

The median home value in Breckenridge is $757,100 — 148% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,438/month, 9% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $132,666/year is 78% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.7%, 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, Breckenridge has a cost of living index of 193 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 93% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$757,100
148% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$1,183,476
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,438/mo
9% above avg
Zillow Rent
$3,500/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
43.9x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$884
1 BR
$960
2 BR
$1,251
3 BR
$1,611
4 BR
$2,004
Owner-occupied 73.3%
Renter-occupied 26.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,438
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,052/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
18.6 min
31% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
19.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
54.6%
Carpooled
12.9%
Public transit
5.1%
Walked
4.4%
Bicycle
3.9%
Work from home
19.2%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 4.4%
Total Sales Tax 7.8%
State rate 2.9%
Avg local rate 4.9%
Property Tax 0.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$132,666
78% above avg
Per Capita Income
$58,796
Unemployment Rate
0.7%
86% below avg
Poverty Rate
9.6%
Labor Force Participation
67.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 39.8%
Graduate degree 20.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38.3
Male median age 39.4
Female median age 38

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Breckenridge, CO?

Breckenridge has a cost index of 193 (100 = national average). It is 93% above the national average.

What is average rent in Breckenridge, CO?

The median gross rent in Breckenridge is $1,438 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Breckenridge?

The median home value in Breckenridge is $757,100 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Breckenridge?

The median household income in Breckenridge is $132,666 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Breckenridge, CO?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Breckenridge is 7.8%. The Colorado state income tax top rate is 4.4%.

Is Breckenridge, CO affordable?

Breckenridge is above average in cost of living, with an index of 193 — about 93% higher than the national average.

Breckenridge at a Glance

Population
5,001
Median Income
$132,666
Home Value
$757,100
Median Rent
$1,438/mo
Unemployment
0.7%
Sales Tax
7.8%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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