Cost of Living in Vail, CO
Population 4,729 · Colorado · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Vail's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $1 million for a typical home, 241% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $103,705 that put it in the upper third of the state. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.1% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Vail is about 65 miles west of Boulder, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Boulder's $983,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Vail
The median home value in Vail is $1,040,100 — 241% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,610/month, 23% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $103,705/year is 39% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.1%, 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, Vail has a cost of living index of 254 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 154% more expensive.
Vail 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Vail, CO?
Vail has a cost index of 254 (100 = national average). It is 154% above the national average.
What is average rent in Vail, CO?
The median gross rent in Vail is $1,610 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Vail?
The median home value in Vail is $1,040,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Vail?
The median household income in Vail is $103,705 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Vail, CO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Vail is 7.8%. The Colorado state income tax top rate is 4.4%.
Is Vail, CO affordable?
Vail is above average in cost of living, with an index of 254 — about 154% higher than the national average.
Vail at a Glance
- Population
- 4,729
- Median Income
- $103,705
- Home Value
- $1,040,100
- Median Rent
- $1,610/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.1%
- Sales Tax
- 7.8%
Nearby Cities
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Colorado Rankings
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