Cost of Living in Alamosa County, Colorado
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Alamosa County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Alamosa County ranks #2,752 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 12%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Alamosa County, Colorado
Mountain town, affordable rents
Alamosa County renters spend 21.1% of their income on housing, staying just below the national affordability line—a relief in a region hosting two universities. The median household income of $51,445 is 31% below the national average, yet rents at $904/month remain remarkably reasonable.
Colorado's most affordable county
Alamosa County's 21.1% rent-to-income ratio beats Colorado's 20.2% state average and represents the most affordable housing among the eight counties analyzed. At $904/month, median rents run 28% below the state average of $1,253, making this south-central mountain county a genuine outlier.
Cheapest rent in the region
Alamosa's $904 median rent undercuts Archuleta County's $1,409 by 36% and towers below Adams County's $1,713 by nearly half. For homebuyers, the $218,800 median value is the lowest among the eight counties, offering genuine affordability for first-time buyers.
Rents and mortgages nearly equal
Alamosa County renters pay $904/month while homeowners shoulder $820/month—an unusual situation where ownership costs dip below rent. This $84 monthly difference means a household earning the median $51,445 can afford either path without overstretching their budget.
College town charm, real affordability
Moving to Alamosa? You're joining a university-driven economy where $51,445 median income stretches further than nearly anywhere in Colorado. Budget $904 for rent and you'll live comfortably in a region where housing doesn't dominate your financial life.
Cost of Living Advisory: Alamosa County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Alamosa County is affordable. The median rent is $904/month against a median household income of $51,445, putting rent at 21.1% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Alamosa County pay $904/month on average, compared to $820/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 9%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,143/year. With a median household income of $51,445, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Alamosa County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Montezuma County where rent averages $974/month, Alamosa County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Alamosa County
Rent Burden
21.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,200
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.1%
of gross income
The median home in Alamosa County may be a stretch
Median home value is $218,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,747 vs. your max of $1,200.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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