Cost of Living in Carbondale, CO
Population 6,553 · Colorado · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Carbondale run well above the national baseline, with a median of $796,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $94,300 place the city among the better-paid Colorado metros.
Carbondale lies roughly 115 miles west of the nearest major metro, Boulder — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 19% lower than Boulder's $983,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Carbondale
The median home value in Carbondale is $796,100 — 161% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,255/month, 72% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $94,300/year is 26% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.5%, 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, Carbondale has a cost of living index of 225 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 125% more expensive.
Carbondale 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 Carbondale, CO?
Carbondale has a cost index of 225 (100 = national average). It is 125% above the national average.
What is average rent in Carbondale, CO?
The median gross rent in Carbondale is $2,255 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Carbondale?
The median home value in Carbondale is $796,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Carbondale?
The median household income in Carbondale is $94,300 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Carbondale, CO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Carbondale is 7.8%. The Colorado state income tax top rate is 4.4%.
Is Carbondale, CO affordable?
Carbondale is above average in cost of living, with an index of 225 — about 125% higher than the national average.
Carbondale at a Glance
- Population
- 6,553
- Median Income
- $94,300
- Home Value
- $796,100
- Median Rent
- $2,255/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.5%
- Sales Tax
- 7.8%
Nearby Cities
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Colorado Rankings
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