Cost of Living in Empire, CO

With a cost of living index of 109, Empire, CO is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 9% more expensive than the national average and 5% below the Colorado state average of 114. Empire is a small community of 549 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Empire's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,566 (19% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $297,600 (2% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.7x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Empire is $63,092, which is 16% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 30% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability.

Everyday prices in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.