The Cheapest Places to Live in Colorado

Welcome to Colorful Colorado road sign situated along Interstate I-76 against a sunrise backdrop

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Millions flock to Colorado each year for world-class skiing and romantic winter getaways. But for many, a weekend on the slopes may spark a more permanent question: Could I actually afford to live here?

While Colorado may be the third most expensive state to live in, according to a Colorado Chamber of Commerce cost of living report, the state's surprisingly low property tax rates in some areas may make a move more affordable than you think.

So whether you're a budget-conscious remote worker or looking to save on airfare next year, these ten cheapest places to live in Colorado could offer the best "bang for your buck" in 2026.

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Cheapest places to live in Colorado

After ranking property tax bills from highest to lowest per county in Colorado, it's definitely clear: Rural areas win out. You can generally find cheaper living in the countryside than in the hustle and bustle of Denver or Colorado Springs.

Though if you're ready to enjoy historic sites, national forests, and backcountry skiing (and maybe want to commute to ski lodges and resorts), check out these cheap places to live in Colorado.

Note: Kiplinger used the latest data presented by the Tax Foundation (sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau) to find the cheapest counties in Colorado to live.

Conejos County

Vintage Railroad Steam Train With an Autumn Backdrop

Median property tax bill: $655

Median home price: $162,100

Conejos County, Colorado, can have relatively low home prices, with the median around $162,100. The median property tax bill is also cheap, at just under $660, according to the latest data from the Tax Foundation.

Conejos offers a blend of deep history and high-altitude value. Known for its rich Spanish heritage, the county is home to Colorado's oldest church.

Conejos also hosts the historic Cumbres & Toltec Railroad — a 64-mile steam-powered journey through the Rio Grande National Forest. The landmark railway passes scenic trout fishing in the Conejos River valley, where residents can hike, camp, and birdwatch.

So if you're looking to settle into one of the oldest settled areas in Colorado, with deep ties to Spanish history, consider moving to Conejos — where your wallet might thank you, too.

Dolores County

San Juan National Forest filled with evergreen trees and mountains

Median property tax bill: $558

Median home price: $231,900

Dolores County has the second-highest median home price on our list at $231,900. But the median property tax bill hovers at $558, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The low property taxes might be because effective property tax rates in the area are at just .24%, well below the national average.

Love being near the shore? Look no further. Water enthusiasts gravitate to the region's McPhee Reservoir — the largest body of water in the San Juan National Forest — for boating and fishing, while nearby Groundhog and Summit Lakes provide quieter retreats.

And for a change of pace, residents can also explore the archeological finds of the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, where prehistoric structures offer a window into ancestral Puebloan life.

Come to Dolores to enjoy a swim and some history, but stay for the low property tax bill.

Bent County

Wild snow geese flocks take to the air and water during the fall migration at John Martin Reservoir in Colorado.

Median property tax bill: $532

Median home price: $137,900

Home prices in Bent sit comfortably at $137,900, with median property tax bills around $532, according to the Tax Foundation. Bent's relatively low population density, currently estimated at 5,800 residents, probably contributes to the area's low property taxes.

But don't let the remote location fool you — especially if you're a nature lover. The region offers hiking trails where residents can view ancient drawings, excellent hunting spots, and fishing and birdwatching at the region's hidden aviary gem, John Martin Reservoir.

Overall, Bent may be the ideal destination for those looking to trade high property taxes for a slower, nature-focused pace of life.

Costilla County

The sun hitting Great Sand Dunes National Park with a person walking and mountains in the background

Median property tax bill: $531

Median home price: $171,300

Located in south-central Colorado, Costilla has relatively low home prices, with a median just above $171,000. Property tax bills are relatively cheap, too, at about $530, according to the Tax Foundation.

Costilla is a rural area. You might enjoy the area if you've ever considered sustainable homesteading, as the county is known for cheap land and an off-grid living community.

Residents have a front-row seat to the region's rugged beauty, with big-game hunting for bighorn sheep and mountain lions being a staple. Locals can also explore Colorado's oldest town, the historic San Luis, and go sandboarding, sledding, and hiking in the nearby Great Sand Dunes National Park.

Wanting to take a trip on the wild side? Costilla may be the perfect low-cost option for you.

Crowley County

The shadows of three mountain bikes on a roof rack while on a Colorado road trip.

Median property tax bill: $525

Median home price: $106,700

Homes in Crowley County tend to have a lower median price, at around $106,700. Property taxes, too, can be cheap, with a median bill of $525, per the latest U.S. Census Bureau data.

Located along U.S. Highway 96, Crowley is a key waypoint on the coast-to-coast TransAmerica Trail, making the county a premier destination for long-distance cyclists. Beyond the trails, residents enjoy an additional financial perk: "no-fee" access to Lake Henry and the Ordway Reservoir for boating and water sports.

So if you're looking for a picturesque countryside lifestyle and are on board for low property tax bills, make your next move to Crowley.

Las Animas County

A sign along the Santa Fe Trail National Scenic Byway commemorates this historic pathway in southeastern Colorado.

Median property tax bill: $524

Median home price: $214,500

Home prices are relatively low in Las Animas, as the median price tag is about $214,500. The median property tax bill is also cheap — under $525 — and less than in most neighboring counties.

Relocating to Las Animas offers a rich cultural experience. The county seat of Trinidad has been transformed into a thriving cultural hub in recent years, anchored by its state-certified "Creative District" distinction and deep historical ties to the Santa Fe Trail.

Residents can visit Fishers Peak State Park, which offers nearly 20,000 acres of backcountry hiking and wildlife viewing against a backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Come for the cheap property tax bill, but stay for the culture and outdoor charm of Las Animas, Colorado.

Otero County

Jurassic Period dinosaur footprints within Comanche National Grassland

Median property tax bill: $518

Median home price: $160,700

The median home price in Otero County is low relative to other counties on this list, at about $160,700. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, median property taxes are also quite affordable, around $518.

Are you a hiking enthusiast? Otero might be the place for you. The region is home to the Comanche National Grassland, a sprawling 440,000-acre expanse where residents can explore 100-foot canyon walls and the Picket Wire Canyonlands. Most notably, the area features North America's largest dinosaur track site, allowing explorers to walk alongside prehistoric history.

Ergo, if you're an explorer at heart who wants to save a bit on property taxes, you might make Otero County your next destination.

Jackson County

Median property tax bill: $513

Median home price: $250,000

Jackson County has the most expensive median home price on our list at $250,000. However, the median property tax bill is just $513, according to the latest five-year estimate numbers released by the U.S. Census Bureau. That's because Jackson has the lowest effective property tax rate on our list, at only .21%.

Known as the "Moose Viewing Capital of Colorado," this high-altitude county is famous for ranching, outdoor recreation, and, of course, tons of moose. Residents can go backcountry skiing and snowmobiling in the winter, and horseback riding and hiking in the summer.

For much to do in Colorado's "Moose Capital," come to Jackson County and pay relatively low property taxes.

Baca County

An aerial shot of Comanche National Grassland, which is a vast canyon filled with prehistoric artifacts

Median property tax bill: $496

Median home price: $122,000

Baca can be relatively cheap in terms of home prices, with the median around $122,000. Meanwhile, the median property tax bill in the area is just $496, according to the Tax Foundation.

Baca is known for its small-town vibe and community-led atmosphere. In addition to the Comanche National Grassland, which hosts many hiking trails and offers viewing of ancient petroglyphs, the area also hosts a late-summer fair and rodeo, contributing to a neighborhood feel for any traveler who stumbles upon this hidden gem in Colorado.

If you're looking for a low-cost area for your family in Colorado, consider Baca — you might just find your "place."

Prowers County

An old wooden windmill at sunset with a pink sky and the moon above. Lamar, Colorado, USA.

Median property tax bill: $494

Median home price: $150,900

Prowers is the cheapest place to live in Colorado according to the U.S. Census Bureau, with a median property tax bill of $494 and home prices of around $150,900.

Located on the Kansas border, Prowers is a top agricultural region in Colorado, known mainly for poultry, cattle ranching, and sorghum. Residents can explore local history at the Big Timbers Museum or go golfing at the Spreading Antlers Golf Course.

Plus, birdwatchers flock here every February for the annual Snow Goose Festival, which is one of the best times to view some of the 400 documented avian species in the area.

So if you're a bird lover with dreams of a country life, check out Prowers — you might just save on your next property tax bill.

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Kate is a CPA with experience in audit and technology. As a Tax Writer at Kiplinger, Kate believes that tax and finance news should meet people where they are today, across cultural, educational, and disciplinary backgrounds.