Durango Cost of Living: Durango, CO Living Expenses Guide

Durango Cost of Living Guide

Thanks to the outdoor activities and other attractive amenities, the cost of living in Durango is predictably higher than the national average. While residents in the city of Durango see higher costs for housing in particular, there are savings to be found in areas like healthcare, and the beautiful mountain scenery makes the home prices well worth it. The cost of living is split into categories from housing to transportation to food, and if you're thinking about moving to Durango, you should consider all of them in your budget.

Durango Housing Costs

Durango's cost of housing index is about 185. In addition to being more than the national housing cost index, Durango's housing index is higher than Colorado's housing index of 167.5.

The median list price for all homes in Durango, including single-family homes, condos, and townhomes, is around $540,000. Elsewhere in Colorado, the median list price for Denver is $534,000, while the list price for Boulder is $940,000.

Comparing across the region, the median list price for Santa Fe, New Mexico, is $470,000, while Boise, Idaho's median list price is $497,000.

Median Home Price

The median list price for single-family homes in Durango is around $659,000, higher than the average for all homes. By contrast, the median list price for condos in Durango is about $545,000, while Durango townhomes are higher at $790,000.

The median list price for homes in Durango varies, depending on the area of the city. The median list price in the 81301 zip code with some of Durango's expensive neighborhoods is $687,500, while the 81147 zip code's median list price with some of Durango's affordable communities is $520,000. 

Median Rent

For a one-bedroom apartment, the median rent in Durango is $1,830. The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $2,400, while a four-bedroom home's median rent is $3,900. Just like homes, the median rent depends on the area of the city. For example, the average for the 81301 zip code is $1,850, while apartments in the 81303 zip code average $2,400.

Utilities

Cost of Utilities in DurangoThe cost of utilities in Durango is slightly above the U.S. average, with a cost index of 102.8. The utilities cost index for all of Colorado is slightly lower than Durango, at 98.4.

The cost of utilities—including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage—averages about $175 per month. Internet service averages about $60 a month.

Durango Food Costs

Like most of the country, Durango has seen a rise in the cost of groceries over the years. The cost of groceries index for Durango is at 107.9, above the national average, while Colorado's sits at 100.7.

Groceries

Average grocery prices in Durango are about 8% higher than the national average. This means that, for the average American spending $400 a month on groceries, a Durango resident can expect to spend $432. Residents have found the most affordable grocery stores in Durango are Albertsons, City Market, and Walmart Supercenter.

Restaurants

Cost of Food and Restaurants in DurangoThe cost of dining out in Durango depends on the type of restaurant one chooses. A combo meal at a fast-food restaurant will cost about $8, but a meal at an inexpensive sit-down restaurant will be approximately $14. A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant will cost more than $50.

Durango Transportation Costs

Durango auto insurance premiums average $2,000 per year, less than the average across Colorado of $2,850, but a bit higher than the national average of $1,780. The average price of gas in Durango is about $3.30 per gallon for regular unleaded.

The Durango Transit system provides public transportation around the city of Durango. It consists of buses and trolleys that run in three convenient lines on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 8:40 p.m. Fare for all routes is $1, though monthly passes for adults are available for $30.

Uber and Lyft both provide rideshare services for the city. Both have a base fare around a dollar and $1.15 per mile. If you want a taxi, rates for Durango Cab are $8 to start plus $4 per mile. Waiting time is $1 per minute.

Durango Healthcare Costs

Cost of Healthcare in DurangoThe cost of healthcare index for Durango is 80.1, below the national average and the state's average of 83.8. Doctor visits can range between $50 and $200, depending on insurance and the office.

For more in-depth care, there are six hospitals within the city of Durango. Among them are Animas Surgical Hospital, ASC Durango at Mercy Regional Medical Center, and Mercy Regional Medical Center.

Durango Childcare Costs

The average cost of full-time childcare in Durango is $918 per month for infants. This is lower than the state average of around $1,000, and on par for the national average. There is financial assistance available for eligible families through the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program.

Some childcare centers in Durango are St. Columba Montessori Little Way Preschool, which is around $570 per month for preschool, and Sonflower Christian Preschool, which has rate of about $784 per month.

The typical cost of hiring a nanny in Durango is about $17 an hour. However, rates vary based on the nanny's experience, as well as the number of children and their ages.

Colorado Entertainment Costs

Cost of Entertainment in DurangoDurango offers a variety of outdoor ventures, sightseeing, and arts and culture venues. For example, the Old West Cowboy Music Show and Chuckwagon Supper welcomes guests nightly from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Ticket prices range from $39 to $57, depending on the entrée chosen. The cost for children five to ten years old is $18.

The minimum combined sales tax rate for Durango is 8.4%. This includes a 2.9% state tax, 2% county tax, and a 3.5% city tax.

Durango Salary

The median household income in Durango is around $68,000 annually. This is close to the national average of around $67,000. The average individual income of a Durango resident is $44,016 annually, while the average hourly rate is $21.

Those who want to work in the highest-paid occupations should look into legal, architecture and engineering, computer and mathematical, engineering, and science jobs. The Colorado minimum wage is $13.65, with the minimum wage for tipped employees at $10.63. The income tax rate in Colorado is 4.6% of taxable income.

Final Considerations for the Cost of Living in Durango

Durango offers many amenities and activities that make it an attractive place to live, though that comes with a higher cost of living compared to other parts of Colorado and the US as a whole. But while the cost of living in Durango trends higher, these costs are often offset by higher salaries and savings in some areas like healthcare. For those who love living in Durango, its benefits are well worth the increased costs.

If Durango sounds like the perfect place for you, contact Colorado Property Group of RE/MAX with Durango Homes for Sale at (970) 946-0601 to get in touch with a Durango real estate agent and get ready to call this beautiful mountain town home.

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