Cost of Living in Estes Park, CO
Population 5,879 · Colorado · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
$634,000 is the going rate for a typical Estes Park home, 108% over the national median. Rents of $1,431/month track the same premium. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 0.5% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Estes Park is about 30 miles west of Fort Collins, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 16% higher than Fort Collins' $548,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Estes Park
The median home value in Estes Park is $634,200 — 108% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,431/month, 9% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $73,313/year is 2% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.5%, 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, Estes Park has a cost of living index of 168 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 68% more expensive.
Estes Park 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 Estes Park, CO?
Estes Park has a cost index of 168 (100 = national average). It is 68% above the national average.
What is average rent in Estes Park, CO?
The median gross rent in Estes Park is $1,431 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Estes Park?
The median home value in Estes Park is $634,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Estes Park?
The median household income in Estes Park is $73,313 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Estes Park, CO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Estes Park is 7.8%. The Colorado state income tax top rate is 4.4%.
Is Estes Park, CO affordable?
Estes Park is above average in cost of living, with an index of 168 — about 68% higher than the national average.
Estes Park at a Glance
- Population
- 5,879
- Median Income
- $73,313
- Home Value
- $634,200
- Median Rent
- $1,431/mo
- Unemployment
- 0.5%
- Sales Tax
- 7.8%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Colorado Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs