Cost of Living in Chaffee County, Colorado

$1,514/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$598,500

Median Home Value

21% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,514/mo

21% above state average

Median Home Value

$598,500

112% above national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

30.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Chaffee County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Chaffee County$1,514/mo

Colorado Average$1,253/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,514/mo

Median Gross Rent

$598,500

Median Home Value

$1,044/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

30.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Chaffee County, Colorado

Chaffee rents outpace national affordability

Chaffee County's rent-to-income ratio of 25.6% exceeds the national average, meaning renters here dedicate roughly one-quarter of their income to housing. This compares unfavorably to the typical American renter, who spends a smaller share of earnings on monthly rent.

Above Colorado's housing cost average

At 25.6%, Chaffee's rent-to-income ratio ranks above Colorado's state average of 20.2%, placing it among the state's less affordable counties. The median rent of $1,514 is also $261 higher than Colorado's median, intensifying affordability pressure.

Pricier than nearby mountain counties

Chaffee's $1,514 median rent significantly exceeds neighboring Clear Creek County's $1,230 and Custer County's $1,021. Despite similar mountain-town amenities, Chaffee renters pay 48% more than Custer County residents for comparable housing.

Housing claims one-quarter of income

Chaffee renters spend 25.6% of the county's $70,909 median household income on rent, while homeowners dedicate 17.6% to mortgage payments. Together, housing absorbs nearly half of household budgets before taxes, utilities, and other essentials.

Considering a move to Chaffee?

If you're relocating to this mountain community, budget for rent above state average—but know that homeownership at $598,500 median value remains achievable for higher earners. Compare Chaffee's lifestyle benefits against more affordable neighboring counties like Custer before deciding.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Chaffee County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

25.6%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,655

per month

Owner Cost Burden

17.7%

of gross income

The median home in Chaffee County may be a stretch

Median home value is $598,500. Estimated monthly cost: $4,778 vs. your max of $1,655.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio25.6%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Chaffee County, Colorado?

Chaffee County, Colorado has a median monthly rent of $1,514/mo and a median home value of $598,500. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 30.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Chaffee County?

The median gross rent in Chaffee County is $1,514/mo. This is 21% above state average for Colorado.

Is Chaffee County affordable?

Chaffee County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 30.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Chaffee County's rent compare to the state average?

Chaffee County's median rent of $1,514/mo is 21% above state average of $1,253/mo for Colorado.

What is the median home value in Chaffee County?

The median home value in Chaffee County, Colorado is $598,500. This is 112% above the national median home value of $281,900.