Cost of Living in Eagle County, Colorado
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Eagle County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Eagle County ranks #1,649 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 48%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Eagle County, Colorado
Mountain living commands premium prices
Eagle County residents spend 23.6% of income on rent—slightly above Colorado's state average of 20.2% and higher than most national benchmarks. Despite a strong median household income of $103,174, the county's median rent of $2,032 reflects the cost of proximity to Colorado's premier ski resorts.
Pricey mountain market, moderate burden
Eagle County's 23.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks in the upper half of Colorado counties, though above the state average of 20.2%. The county's mountain lifestyle premium is visible in its $2,032 median rent—highest among comparable counties.
Vail Valley rents rival metro Denver
Eagle County's $2,032 median rent nearly matches Denver's $1,770, yet Vail-area residents earn modestly more ($103,174 vs. $91,681). Eagle County homeowners face the steepest monthly costs at $2,081, reflecting the area's vacation-home premium.
Renting and buying both strain budgets
Eagle County residents allocate 23.6% of the $103,174 median income to $2,032 monthly rent, while homeowners spend $2,081 (24.2%) on a median home value of $814,700. The mountain economy offers high wages but demands them for housing.
Mountain culture at mountain prices
Relocate to Eagle County if you prioritize outdoor recreation and can earn $100,000+; the area offers strong affordability relative to its prestige and lifestyle amenities. Budget-conscious remote workers should compare to Denver, which offers similar housing costs with more diverse job markets.
Cost of Living Advisory: Eagle County
Affordability Verdict
Eagle County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $2,032/month representing approximately 23.6% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 36.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Eagle County pay $2,032/month on average, compared to $2,081/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 2%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $81,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $89,186/year. With a median household income of $103,174, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 36.0% of renter households in Eagle County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Colorado, Eagle County is less affordable than Douglas County by roughly 3% ($2,032/mo vs $2,095/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Eagle County
Rent Burden
23.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,407
per month
Owner Cost Burden
24.2%
of gross income
The median home in Eagle County may be a stretch
Median home value is $814,700. Estimated monthly cost: $6,504 vs. your max of $2,407.
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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