Colorado

Rent or Buy in Colorado?

Compare the true cost of renting versus buying across 20 cities in Colorado. Get personalized calculations with real market data updated for 2026.

$563K
Avg Home Price
$2,173
Avg Monthly Rent
20
Cities Covered

Select Your City in Colorado

Denver

Colorado

Median Home Price:$570K
Avg Monthly Rent:$2,400
Homes Sold:593
Buying may be better

Aurora

Colorado

Median Home Price:$450K
Avg Monthly Rent:$1,728
Homes Sold:395
It's close - run the numbers

Littleton

Colorado

Median Home Price:$597K
Avg Monthly Rent:$2,291
Homes Sold:160
It's close - run the numbers

Fort Collins

Colorado

Median Home Price:$519K
Avg Monthly Rent:$1,991
Homes Sold:146
It's close - run the numbers

Lakewood

Colorado

Median Home Price:$575K
Avg Monthly Rent:$2,208
Homes Sold:131
It's close - run the numbers

Arvada

Colorado

Median Home Price:$600K
Avg Monthly Rent:$2,304
Homes Sold:125
It's close - run the numbers

Parker

Colorado

Median Home Price:$660K
Avg Monthly Rent:$2,534
Homes Sold:111
It's close - run the numbers

Centennial

Colorado

Median Home Price:$643K
Avg Monthly Rent:$2,467
Homes Sold:111
It's close - run the numbers

Castle Rock

Colorado

Median Home Price:$665K
Avg Monthly Rent:$2,554
Homes Sold:105
It's close - run the numbers

Pueblo

Colorado

Median Home Price:$225K
Avg Monthly Rent:$864
Homes Sold:96
It's close - run the numbers

Greeley

Colorado

Median Home Price:$430K
Avg Monthly Rent:$1,651
Homes Sold:95
It's close - run the numbers

Thornton

Colorado

Median Home Price:$542K
Avg Monthly Rent:$2,081
Homes Sold:94
It's close - run the numbers

Loveland

Colorado

Median Home Price:$470K
Avg Monthly Rent:$1,804
Homes Sold:93
It's close - run the numbers

Grand Junction

Colorado

Median Home Price:$425K
Avg Monthly Rent:$1,632
Homes Sold:93
It's close - run the numbers

Commerce City

Colorado

Median Home Price:$515K
Avg Monthly Rent:$1,978
Homes Sold:83
It's close - run the numbers

Boulder

Colorado

Median Home Price:$964K
Avg Monthly Rent:$3,700
Homes Sold:81
It's close - run the numbers

Westminster

Colorado

Median Home Price:$520K
Avg Monthly Rent:$1,997
Homes Sold:81
It's close - run the numbers

Highlands Ranch

Colorado

Median Home Price:$655K
Avg Monthly Rent:$2,515
Homes Sold:78
It's close - run the numbers

Longmont

Colorado

Median Home Price:$560K
Avg Monthly Rent:$2,150
Homes Sold:74
It's close - run the numbers

Broomfield

Colorado

Median Home Price:$680K
Avg Monthly Rent:$2,611
Homes Sold:73
It's close - run the numbers

Rent vs Buy in Colorado: What You Need to Know

Deciding whether to rent or buy a home in Colorado is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make. The answer isn't the same for everyone—it depends on your specific situation, the city you're considering, and current market conditions.

Market Overview

Across Colorado, the average home price is around $563,159, while average monthly rent sits at $2,173. However, these numbers vary significantly by city. Some markets strongly favor renting, while others make buying the clear winner.

Key Factors to Consider

  • How long you plan to stay: Buying typically makes more sense if you'll stay 5+ years
  • Local market conditions: Price-to-rent ratios vary widely across Colorado
  • Hidden costs: Property taxes, maintenance, and HOA fees add up quickly
  • Opportunity cost: Money in a down payment can't be invested elsewhere
  • Lifestyle flexibility: Renting offers more mobility and less responsibility

How to Use This Calculator

Select your city above to get a personalized rent vs buy analysis. Our calculator uses real market data from Colorado and considers 59+ financial factors including:

  • Current home prices and rental rates in your specific city
  • Property taxes and insurance costs
  • Mortgage rates and down payment scenarios
  • Expected appreciation and inflation
  • Maintenance, HOA, and closing costs
  • Investment opportunity costs

The calculator will show you the true total cost of each option over your time horizon, helping you make an informed decision based on real numbers, not emotions.