Cost of Living in Durango, CO

Population 19,257 · Colorado · Data vintage 2023

167
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

$610,000 is the going rate for a typical Durango home, 100% over the national median. Rents of $1,562/month track the same premium. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.6% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Durango lies roughly 150 miles northwest of the nearest major metro, Rio Rancho — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 123% higher than Rio Rancho's $273,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 200
Rent 119

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

About the Cost of Living in Durango

The median home value in Durango is $609,700 — 100% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,562/month, 19% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $79,545/year is 7% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.6%, 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, Durango has a cost of living index of 167 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 67% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$609,700
100% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$735,932
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,562/mo
19% above avg
Zillow Rent
$1,997/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
32.5x
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 55.4%
Renter-occupied 44.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,562
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,176/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
15.8 min
41% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
14.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
63.7%
Carpooled
6.0%
Public transit
1.0%
Walked
9.4%
Bicycle
5.4%
Work from home
14.1%

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
$79,545
7% above avg
Per Capita Income
$43,252
Unemployment Rate
2.6%
45% below avg
Poverty Rate
14.9%
Labor Force Participation
66.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 37.0%
Graduate degree 21.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 37.2
Male median age 36.3
Female median age 38.8

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 46 — Good
64.9%
Good air days/yr
211
Max AQI recorded
28
PM2.5 days
337
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Durango, CO?

Durango has a cost index of 167 (100 = national average). It is 67% above the national average.

What is average rent in Durango, CO?

The median gross rent in Durango is $1,562 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Durango?

The median home value in Durango is $609,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Durango?

The median household income in Durango is $79,545 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Durango, CO?

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

Is Durango, CO affordable?

Durango is above average in cost of living, with an index of 167 — about 67% higher than the national average.

Durango at a Glance

Population
19,257
Median Income
$79,545
Home Value
$609,700
Median Rent
$1,562/mo
Unemployment
2.6%
Sales Tax
7.8%
View all cities in Colorado →
🗺️ County data for Colorado

Explore county-level cost of living data

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