Cost of Living in Cortez, CO
Population 8,898 · Colorado · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Cortez a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $227,000.
Located 175 miles northwest of Rio Rancho, Cortez is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 17% lower than Rio Rancho's $273,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Cortez
The median home value in Cortez is $226,700 — 26% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,028/month, 22% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $51,377/year is 31% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.6%, 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, Cortez has a cost of living index of 76 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 24% less expensive.
Cortez 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Cortez, CO?
Cortez has a cost index of 76 (100 = national average). It is 24% below the national average.
What is average rent in Cortez, CO?
The median gross rent in Cortez is $1,028 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Cortez?
The median home value in Cortez is $226,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Cortez?
The median household income in Cortez is $51,377 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Cortez, CO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Cortez is 7.8%. The Colorado state income tax top rate is 4.4%.
Is Cortez, CO affordable?
Yes, Cortez is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 76 — about 24% below the US national average of 100.
Cortez at a Glance
- Population
- 8,898
- Median Income
- $51,377
- Home Value
- $226,700
- Median Rent
- $1,028/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.6%
- Sales Tax
- 7.8%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Colorado Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
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