Cost of Living in Teller County, Colorado
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Teller County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Teller County ranks #1,481 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 47%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Teller County, Colorado
Teller County's rent affordability problem
Teller County's 26.0% rent-to-income ratio far exceeds both Colorado's 20.2% average and national norms, signaling a serious affordability squeeze for renters. At $1,746 monthly rent on an $80,666 median income, Teller residents pay a larger share of earnings for housing than peers nationwide.
Colorado's least affordable for renters
Teller County's 26.0% rent-to-income ratio is the highest in this eight-county sample and significantly above Colorado's 20.2% state average, making it the state's toughest rental market. Despite a respectable $80,666 median income, renters here dedicate more to housing than almost any Colorado county.
Mountain rents with Plains-level income
Teller's $1,746 rent rivals Summit County's mountain premium but on an income ($80,666) far below Summit's $106,255, creating affordability stress absent elsewhere. Even compared to San Miguel ($1,173) and San Juan ($1,076), Teller renters pay 50% more while earning similar incomes—an unsustainable mismatch.
Renters squeezed, owners more stable
Teller renters face the region's worst squeeze, dedicating 26% of income to $1,746 monthly rent, while homeowners pay a more manageable $1,422 (21% of income). This 5-percentage-point gap suggests renting in Teller is a losing proposition compared to ownership for households able to purchase.
Consider ownership or reconsider location
Teller County works only for homebuyers earning $80,666-plus who can access a $445,000 home purchase; renters face unaffordable $1,746 monthly costs. If you're relocating as a renter, nearby San Juan or San Miguel counties offer mountain proximity with dramatically better rent-to-income ratios.
Cost of Living Advisory: Teller County
Affordability Verdict
Teller County is moderately affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,746/month representing approximately 26.0% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 32.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Teller County is $1,746/month, while owner costs run $1,422/month. Owning saves approximately $324/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $69,840/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $60,943/year. With a median household income of $80,666, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Teller County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Teller County sits 3% more expensive than Dolores County ($1,688/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Teller County
Rent Burden
26.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,882
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.2%
of gross income
The median home in Teller County may be a stretch
Median home value is $445,000. Estimated monthly cost: $3,553 vs. your max of $1,882.
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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