Sam SmithColorado’s reputation for breathtaking mountains and vibrant cities often comes with a steep price tag, especially in resort towns and booming Front Range hubs. Yet beyond these high‑cost areas, there are communities where housing and living expenses remain significantly lower than the state average. From the wide‑open Eastern Plains to Southern Colorado’s historic towns and the Western Slope’s agricultural centers, these cities and towns provide more attainable options for those seeking affordability while still enjoying Colorado’s unique landscapes and lifestyle.
Top 50 Cheapest Cities To Live In Colorado
1. Lamar (Prowers County)
Lamar is a small city on Colorado’s Eastern Plains, known for its agricultural economy and wide‑open landscapes. Housing costs are well below the state average, making it attractive for families and retirees seeking affordability. Summers are hot, winters can be windy, and amenities are modest, though Lamar offers schools, healthcare facilities, and community events. Its location near the Kansas border emphasizes remoteness, but affordability and a slower pace of life make Lamar a practical option.
2. La Junta (Otero County)
La Junta is a historic town in southeastern Colorado, once a trading hub along the Santa Fe Trail. Today, it offers affordable housing and a small‑town atmosphere. Agriculture and education drive the local economy, with Otero College providing cultural and academic opportunities. Summers are hot, winters cold, and amenities limited compared to larger cities. La Junta’s affordability, combined with its historic character and community feel, makes it appealing for those seeking budget‑friendly living in Colorado.
3. Sterling (Logan County)
Sterling is a regional hub on the Eastern Plains, offering more amenities than many surrounding towns. Housing costs are affordable, and the city supports agriculture, education, and healthcare industries. Northeastern Junior College adds a youthful presence. Summers are hot, winters cold, and the landscape is open and windy. Sterling’s affordability, combined with its role as a service center for the region, makes it a practical choice for families and individuals seeking lower costs with modest amenities.
4. Fort Morgan (Morgan County)
Fort Morgan is a growing city on the Eastern Plains with a diverse economy rooted in agriculture, manufacturing, and energy. Housing costs are below Colorado’s average, and the community is known for cultural diversity. Summers are hot, winters cold, and amenities include schools, healthcare, and shopping. Its location along Interstate 76 provides access to Denver within a reasonable drive. Fort Morgan’s affordability, combined with economic opportunities, makes it appealing for families and workers seeking balance.
5. Brush (Morgan County)
Brush is a small agricultural town near Fort Morgan, offering affordable housing and a quiet lifestyle. Farming and food processing dominate the economy, with limited white‑collar job opportunities. Summers are hot, winters cold, and amenities are modest, though residents benefit from proximity to Fort Morgan for services. Brush’s affordability and small‑town atmosphere make it appealing for families and retirees seeking budget‑friendly living, though remoteness and limited amenities are trade‑offs for lower housing costs.
6. Yuma (Yuma County)
Yuma is a small town on the Eastern Plains with deep agricultural roots, particularly in corn and cattle. Housing costs are low, and the community offers a quiet, rural lifestyle. Summers are hot, winters cold, and amenities are limited, though residents enjoy strong community ties. Job opportunities are concentrated in farming and local services. Yuma’s affordability and small‑town feel make it appealing for families and retirees seeking budget‑friendly living, though remoteness is a trade‑off.
7. Burlington (Kit Carson County)
Burlington is a small city near the Kansas border, serving as a service hub for the Eastern Plains. Housing costs are affordable, and the economy is based on agriculture, retail, and local services. Summers are hot, winters cold, and amenities include schools, healthcare, and shopping. Burlington’s location along Interstate 70 provides access to Denver, though the drive is long. Its affordability and role as a regional center make Burlington appealing for families seeking lower costs.
8. Trinidad (Las Animas County)
Trinidad is a historic city near the New Mexico border, known for its Victorian architecture and cultural heritage. Housing costs are lower than Colorado’s average, though rising with increased interest in the area. The economy includes tourism, healthcare, and education, alongside traditional industries. Summers are warm, winters cold, and amenities include schools, shopping, and cultural events. Trinidad’s affordability, combined with historic charm and scenic surroundings, makes it appealing for families, retirees, and artists seeking lower costs.
9. Walsenburg (Huerfano County)
Walsenburg is a small town in southern Colorado, known as a gateway to the Spanish Peaks. Housing costs are affordable, and the economy is based on tourism, healthcare, and local services. Summers are warm, winters cold, and amenities are modest, though residents enjoy access to outdoor recreation. Job opportunities are limited, but affordability and scenic surroundings make Walsenburg appealing for retirees and families seeking budget‑friendly living in a historic, small‑town setting.
10. Holyoke (Phillips County)
Holyoke is a small agricultural town on the northeastern plains, known for its farming and ranching economy. Housing costs are low, and the community offers a quiet, rural lifestyle. Summers are hot, winters cold, and amenities are limited, though residents benefit from strong community ties and local schools. Job opportunities are concentrated in agriculture and local services. Holyoke’s affordability and small‑town atmosphere make it appealing for families and retirees seeking budget‑friendly living in Colorado.
Table: Most Affordable Cities & Towns in Colorado
| # | City / Town | County | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lamar | Prowers | Eastern Plains |
| 2 | La Junta | Otero | Eastern Plains |
| 3 | Sterling | Logan | Eastern Plains |
| 4 | Fort Morgan | Morgan | Eastern Plains |
| 5 | Brush | Morgan | Eastern Plains |
| 6 | Yuma | Yuma | Eastern Plains |
| 7 | Burlington | Kit Carson | Eastern Plains |
| 8 | Trinidad | Las Animas | Eastern Plains |
| 9 | Walsenburg | Huerfano | Eastern Plains |
| 10 | Holyoke | Phillips | Eastern Plains |
| 11 | Akron | Washington | Eastern Plains |
| 12 | Limon | Lincoln | Eastern Plains |
| 13 | Julesburg | Sedgwick | Eastern Plains |
| 14 | Ordway | Crowley | Eastern Plains |
| 15 | Springfield | Baca | Eastern Plains |
| 16 | Eads | Kiowa | Eastern Plains |
| 17 | Pueblo | Pueblo | Southern Colorado |
| 18 | Cañon City | Fremont | Southern Colorado |
| 19 | Alamosa | Alamosa | Southern Colorado |
| 20 | Monte Vista | Rio Grande | Southern Colorado |
| 21 | Del Norte | Rio Grande | Southern Colorado |
| 22 | Rocky Ford | Otero | Southern Colorado |
| 23 | Manitou Springs | El Paso | Southern Colorado |
| 24 | Florence | Fremont | Southern Colorado |
| 25 | La Veta | Huerfano | Southern Colorado |
| 26 | Salida | Chaffee | Southern Colorado |
| 27 | Buena Vista | Chaffee | Southern Colorado |
| 28 | Grand Junction | Mesa | Western Slope |
| 29 | Clifton | Mesa | Western Slope |
| 30 | Montrose | Montrose | Western Slope |
| 31 | Delta | Delta | Western Slope |
| 32 | Fruita | Mesa | Western Slope |
| 33 | Rifle | Garfield | Western Slope |
| 34 | Parachute | Garfield | Western Slope |
| 35 | Craig | Moffat | Western Slope |
| 36 | Meeker | Rio Blanco | Western Slope |
| 37 | Cortez | Montezuma | Western Slope |
| 38 | Durango | La Plata | Western Slope |
| 39 | Pagosa Springs | Archuleta | Western Slope |
| 40 | Gunnison | Gunnison | Western Slope |
| 41 | Center | Saguache | Western Slope |
| 42 | Greeley | Weld | Front Range / Northern CO |
| 43 | Evans | Weld | Front Range / Northern CO |
| 44 | Fort Lupton | Weld | Front Range / Northern CO |
| 45 | Wellington | Larimer | Front Range / Northern CO |
| 46 | Johnstown | Weld / Larimer | Front Range / Northern CO |
| 47 | Firestone | Weld | Front Range / Northern CO |
| 48 | Frederick | Weld | Front Range / Northern CO |
| 49 | Dacono | Weld | Front Range / Northern CO |
| 50 | Hugo | Lincoln | Front Range / Eastern Plains |
Closing
While no place in Colorado is truly “cheap,” these 50 cities and towns highlight where relative affordability exists within the state’s challenging housing market. Each comes with trade‑offs — whether it’s remoteness, fewer amenities, or harsher climates — but they also offer opportunities for homeownership and lower monthly costs. Use this list as a starting point, then validate with current housing data, explore local economies, and visit communities firsthand to find the right balance between affordability and quality of life.