Cost of Living in Costilla County, Colorado
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Costilla County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Costilla County ranks #398 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 13%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Costilla County, Colorado
Costilla struggles with affordability stress
Costilla County's rent-to-income ratio of 28.2% is among Colorado's worst and far exceeds the national average, placing severe affordability strain on renters. With a median household income of just $36,519, this county struggles with the gap between wages and housing costs.
Colorado's most unaffordable rental market
Costilla ranks as one of Colorado's least affordable counties, with a 28.2% rent-to-income ratio exceeding the state average by 8 percentage points. This southern county faces the steepest housing affordability crisis among these eight counties.
Lowest income, highest cost burden
Costilla's $857 median rent is comparable to Cheyenne's ($862), but its $36,519 median income is $31,249 below Cheyenne—creating a far steeper affordability burden. This income-to-rent mismatch makes Costilla uniquely challenging for renters.
Rent dominates household budgets
Costilla renters spend a crushing 28.2% of their $36,519 median income on monthly rent, leaving minimal resources for utilities, food, and transportation. Homeowners fare slightly better at 15.3% of income, but the county's low incomes strain all household budgets.
Relocating to Costilla requires careful planning
This county offers the lowest home values ($171,300) and modest rents, but only works for those with remote income or substantial savings cushion. Without supplemental earnings, housing affordability remains the county's defining challenge.
Cost of Living Advisory: Costilla County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Costilla County is moderately affordable. The median rent is $857/month against a median household income of $36,519, putting rent at 28.2% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Costilla County is $857/month, while owner costs run $466/month. Owning saves approximately $391/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $19,971/year. With a median household income of $36,519, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 40.0% of renter households in Costilla County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Kit Carson County where rent averages $916/month, Costilla County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Costilla County
Rent Burden
28.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$852
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.3%
of gross income
The median home in Costilla County may be a stretch
Median home value is $171,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,368 vs. your max of $852.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
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
What is the cost of living in Costilla County, Colorado?
What is the median rent in Costilla County?
Is Costilla County affordable?
How does Costilla County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Costilla County?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Costilla County, Colorado? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Costilla County
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.