Rent Affordability for Colorado (2026)
Colorado (CO) Key Facts
Average 1 B R Rent
$1,500
Median Monthly Income
$6,667
Recommended Max Rent (30% Rule)
$2,000
Affordability Gap
Affordable
Rent to Income Ratio
22.5%
How This Calculator Works in Colorado
This rent affordability calculator helps you determine how much rent you can reasonably afford in Colorado based on your income and the 30% rule. Enter your monthly income and desired rent to see whether your housing costs are within a healthy range. The calculator also shows how your situation compares to the Colorado average.
Colorado Overview
With a median household income of $80,000, Colorado residents can afford roughly $2,000/month in rent under the 30% guideline. Average 1-bedroom rent is about $1,500/month. State income taxes in Colorado reduce your take-home pay, so base your rent budget on net income rather than gross for a more realistic picture.
How Colorado Compares
Colorado's rent-to-income ratio of 22.5% is within the recommended 30% range. In neighboring Utah, the ratio is 20.8%. Nationally, about half of renters spend more than 30% of their income on housing, highlighting the widespread challenge of rental affordability.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Utah | $1,300 | Average 1BR rent is $1,300 with median monthly income of $6,250. The 30% rule allows $1,875 for rent, which covers average rent. |
| Wyoming | $900 | Average 1BR rent is $900 with median monthly income of $5,417. The 30% rule allows $1,625 for rent, which covers average rent. |
| Kansas | $850 | Average 1BR rent is $850 with median monthly income of $5,167. The 30% rule allows $1,550 for rent, which covers average rent. |
In Colorado, the median household earns $80,000 annually ($6,667 per month). Using the 30% rule, the recommended maximum rent is $2,000 per month. With average 1BR rents at $1,500, rents are within the recommended affordability range. Nationally, about half of renters are considered cost-burdened (paying more than 30% of income on housing).
Tips for Colorado Residents
- 1The 30% rule suggests spending no more than 30% of gross income on rent. In Colorado, with a median household income of $80,000, the maximum recommended rent is about $2,000/month.
- 2Average 1-bedroom rent in Colorado is roughly $1,500/month. This is within or near the 30% guideline for the median household, indicating reasonable affordability at the state level.
- 3State income taxes in Colorado reduce your take-home pay, so base your rent budget on net income rather than gross for a more realistic picture.
- 4Beyond rent, budget for utilities ($100-$300/month), renters insurance ($15-$30/month), and any parking or pet fees. These can add 10-20% on top of your base rent in Colorado.
- 5If you are spending more than 30% of income on rent in Colorado, look into housing assistance programs such as Section 8 vouchers, state-funded rental assistance, or employer housing benefits.