Cost of Living in Grand Junction, CO

Population 67,027 · Colorado · Data vintage 2023

104
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Most of Grand Junction's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $66,676 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail.

Grand Junction lies roughly 180 miles east of the nearest major metro, Provo — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 18% lower than Provo's $437,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 117
Rent 84

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

About the Cost of Living in Grand Junction

The median home value in Grand Junction is $358,300 — 17% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,101/month, 16% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $66,676/year is 11% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.5%, 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, Grand Junction has a cost of living index of 104 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 4% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$358,300
17% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$414,332
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,101/mo
16% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,760/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
27.1x
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 62.8%
Renter-occupied 37.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,101
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,715/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
17.5 min
35% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
12.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
71.1%
Carpooled
8.3%
Public transit
0.8%
Walked
3.4%
Bicycle
2.6%
Work from home
12.1%

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
$66,676
11% below avg
Per Capita Income
$39,616
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
7% below avg
Poverty Rate
13.0%
Labor Force Participation
61.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 24.2%
Graduate degree 11.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 40
Male median age 39
Female median age 40.9

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 46 — Good
67.4%
Good air days/yr
90
Max AQI recorded
64
PM2.5 days
301
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Grand Junction, CO?

Grand Junction has a cost index of 104 (100 = national average). It is 4% above the national average.

What is average rent in Grand Junction, CO?

The median gross rent in Grand Junction is $1,101 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Grand Junction?

The median home value in Grand Junction is $358,300 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Grand Junction?

The median household income in Grand Junction is $66,676 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Grand Junction, CO?

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

Is Grand Junction, CO affordable?

Grand Junction is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 104 (100 = US average).

Grand Junction at a Glance

Population
67,027
Median Income
$66,676
Home Value
$358,300
Median Rent
$1,101/mo
Unemployment
4.5%
Sales Tax
7.8%
View all cities in Colorado →
🗺️ County data for Colorado

Explore county-level cost of living data

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