Cost of Living in Wellington, CO
Population 11,538 · Colorado · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Wellington sits on the smaller end of the Colorado city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. At 7.2%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Wellington sits roughly 11 miles north of Fort Collins — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 19% lower than Fort Collins' $548,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Wellington
The median home value in Wellington is $442,500 — 45% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,320/month, 77% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $103,888/year is 39% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.2%, 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, Wellington has a cost of living index of 158 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 58% 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 Wellington, CO?
Wellington has a cost index of 158 (100 = national average). It is 58% above the national average.
What is average rent in Wellington, CO?
The median gross rent in Wellington is $2,320 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Wellington?
The median home value in Wellington is $442,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Wellington?
The median household income in Wellington is $103,888 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Wellington, CO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Wellington is 7.8%. The Colorado state income tax top rate is 4.4%.
Is Wellington, CO affordable?
Wellington is above average in cost of living, with an index of 158 — about 58% higher than the national average.
Wellington at a Glance
- Population
- 11,538
- Median Income
- $103,888
- Home Value
- $442,500
- Median Rent
- $2,320/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.2%
- Sales Tax
- 7.8%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Colorado Rankings
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