Cost of Living in Monte Vista, CO

Population 4,178 · Colorado · Data vintage 2023

60
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Monte Vista is a smaller Colorado community of around 4000 residents, where median household incomes of $49,339 and housing costs ($205,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. A poverty rate near 29% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.

Monte Vista lies roughly 95 miles southwest of the nearest major metro, Pueblo — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 11% lower than Pueblo's $231,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 67
Rent 50

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

About the Cost of Living in Monte Vista

The median home value in Monte Vista is $204,500 — 33% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $657/month, 50% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $49,339/year is 34% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 14.7%, 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, Monte Vista has a cost of living index of 60 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 40% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$204,500
33% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$292,944
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$657/mo
50% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
25.9x
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 61.6%
Renter-occupied 38.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$657
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,271/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
21.2 min
21% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
5.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
83.2%
Carpooled
9.4%
Public transit
0.8%
Walked
0.6%
Work from home
5.4%

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
$49,339
34% below avg
Per Capita Income
$27,827
Unemployment Rate
14.7%
206% above avg
Poverty Rate
29.3%
Labor Force Participation
61.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 21.6%
Graduate degree 7.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38.1
Male median age 38.1
Female median age 38

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Monte Vista, CO?

Monte Vista has a cost index of 60 (100 = national average). It is 40% below the national average.

What is average rent in Monte Vista, CO?

The median gross rent in Monte Vista is $657 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Monte Vista?

The median home value in Monte Vista is $204,500 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Monte Vista?

The median household income in Monte Vista is $49,339 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Monte Vista, CO?

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

Is Monte Vista, CO affordable?

Yes, Monte Vista is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 60 — about 40% below the US national average of 100.

Monte Vista at a Glance

Population
4,178
Median Income
$49,339
Home Value
$204,500
Median Rent
$657/mo
Unemployment
14.7%
Sales Tax
7.8%
View all cities in Colorado →
🗺️ County data for Colorado

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs