Cost of Living in Clifton, CO
Population 19,746 · Colorado · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Clifton a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $234,000. At 9.5%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 185 miles west of Boulder, Clifton is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 76% lower than Boulder's $983,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Clifton
The median home value in Clifton is $234,200 — 23% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,035/month, 21% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $54,301/year is 27% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.5%, above 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, Clifton has a cost of living index of 78 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 22% less expensive.
🏠 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Clifton, CO?
Clifton has a cost index of 78 (100 = national average). It is 22% below the national average.
What is average rent in Clifton, CO?
The median gross rent in Clifton is $1,035 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Clifton?
The median home value in Clifton is $234,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Clifton?
The median household income in Clifton is $54,301 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Clifton, CO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Clifton is 7.8%. The Colorado state income tax top rate is 4.4%.
Is Clifton, CO affordable?
Yes, Clifton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 78 — about 22% below the US national average of 100.
Clifton at a Glance
- Population
- 19,746
- Median Income
- $54,301
- Home Value
- $234,200
- Median Rent
- $1,035/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.5%
- Sales Tax
- 7.8%
Nearby Cities
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Colorado Rankings
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