Cost of Living in Steamboat Springs, CO
Population 13,341 · Colorado · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Steamboat Springs sits 187% above the national median — $874,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $100,156 (34% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. An unemployment rate of 2.9% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Geographically, Steamboat Springs lies roughly 90 miles west of the nearest major metro, Boulder. Median home values run roughly 11% lower than Boulder's $983,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Steamboat Springs
The median home value in Steamboat Springs is $874,400 — 187% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,909/month, 45% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $100,156/year is 34% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.9%, 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, Steamboat Springs has a cost of living index of 230 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 130% more expensive.
🏠 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 Steamboat Springs, CO?
Steamboat Springs has a cost index of 230 (100 = national average). It is 130% above the national average.
What is average rent in Steamboat Springs, CO?
The median gross rent in Steamboat Springs is $1,909 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Steamboat Springs?
The median home value in Steamboat Springs is $874,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Steamboat Springs?
The median household income in Steamboat Springs is $100,156 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Steamboat Springs, CO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Steamboat Springs is 7.8%. The Colorado state income tax top rate is 4.4%.
Is Steamboat Springs, CO affordable?
Steamboat Springs is above average in cost of living, with an index of 230 — about 130% higher than the national average.
Steamboat Springs at a Glance
- Population
- 13,341
- Median Income
- $100,156
- Home Value
- $874,400
- Median Rent
- $1,909/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.9%
- Sales Tax
- 7.8%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Colorado Rankings
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