Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Cost of living index
2010–2024MERIC composite index, U.S. average = 100.
Cost of Living Index
Colorado's overall cost of living index is 105.0 (U.S. average = 100), driven mainly by housing costs in Denver, Boulder and mountain resort towns.
Regional Price Parity, all items
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities (SARPP line 1).
| Indicator | Colorado | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Price Parity, all items2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 103.1 | 100 |
Housing Costs
Colorado's housing cost index is 116 (U.S. average = 100), among the higher indices in the Mountain West outside California.
Housing price parity (rents)
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, housing (SARPP line 3).
| Indicator | Colorado | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Housing price parity (rents)2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 127.4 | 100 |
Utility Costs
Colorado's utilities cost index is 97, close to the national average, with lower electricity costs offset by higher heating costs in mountain areas.
Utilities price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, utilities (SARPP line 4).
Electricity price per kWh (Denver–Aurora–Lakewood)
1979–2023BLS Average Price Data, annual average (APUS48B72610).
| Indicator | Colorado | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 85 | 100 |
Food Costs
Colorado's food and groceries index is 101, close to the national average.
Goods price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, goods (SARPP line 2).
| Indicator | Colorado | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Goods price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 98.7 | 100 |
Healthcare Costs
Colorado's healthcare cost index is 99, essentially matching the national average.
| Indicator | Colorado | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare index | 99 | 100 |
Transportation Costs
Colorado's transportation cost index is 104, with average gas prices around $3.15 per gallon, slightly above the national average.
Regular gasoline price
2001–2025U.S. EIA weekly retail price, all formulations, Colorado, annual average (EMM_EPMR_PTE_SCO_DPG).
| Indicator | Colorado | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regular gasoline priceWeek of 2026-10-05, U.S. EIA weekly retail price | $4.02 per gallon | $4.35 per gallon |