Aspen, CO vs Cañon City, CO

The cost of living difference between Aspen, CO and Cañon City, CO is dramatic. Cañon City is 138.4% cheaper than Aspen, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Aspen has a cost index of 206 while Cañon City sits at 86, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Aspen is $1,897/month compared to $931/month in Cañon City — a 104% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Cañon City is more affordable at $275,300 median vs $1,375,000.

Median household income in Aspen is $78,636 compared to $66,068 in Cañon City (+19%). Aspen does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Aspen spend roughly 28.9% of their income on rent, more than the 16.9% in Cañon City.