Cost of Living in Summit County, Colorado
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Summit County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Summit County ranks #1,637 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 48%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Summit County, Colorado
Summit County's premium mountain prices
Summit County's 20.9% rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds Colorado's 20.2% state average despite earning a top-tier $106,255 median household income. Renters pay $1,851 monthly—48% above the national median—a premium justified by world-class skiing and mountain prestige.
Among Colorado's pricier counties
Summit County's 20.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Colorado's 20.2% average, placing it among the state's more expensive housing markets despite stellar household incomes. The $1,851 median rent runs $598 above the state average, reflecting Summit's status as a resort-driven economy.
Summit commands the mountain premium
Summit's $1,851 rent towers over San Juan ($1,076) and San Miguel ($1,173), nearly double what nearby mountain counties charge for housing. The $850,700 median home value is the highest in this eight-county set, capturing the destination desirability and limited land supply that define Colorado's premier ski resort county.
High earners, high housing costs
Summit renters pay $1,851 monthly while homeowners face $1,874—virtually identical costs as the county attracts high-income households willing to pay for mountain access. At $106,255 median income, both renting and buying consume roughly 21% of household earnings, requiring six-figure salaries to maintain comfortable budgets.
For serious mountain pursuits only
Summit County demands the highest income threshold in this group: plan to earn at least $106,255 annually to comfortably afford $1,851 rent or an $850,700 home purchase. If ski culture and high-altitude living justify the premium for you, Summit delivers unmatched mountain access—but only for well-compensated relocators.
Cost of Living Advisory: Summit County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Summit County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,851/month in gross rent, with 26.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,851/month rent versus $1,874/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $23/month cheaper — a 1% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $74,040/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $80,314/year. With a median household income of $106,255, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Summit County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Jefferson County where rent averages $1,792/month, Summit County is approximately 3% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Summit County
Rent Burden
20.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,479
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.2%
of gross income
The median home in Summit County may be a stretch
Median home value is $850,700. Estimated monthly cost: $6,791 vs. your max of $2,479.
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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