Aspen, CO vs Clifton, CO

The cost of living difference between Aspen, CO and Clifton, CO is dramatic. Clifton is 147.8% cheaper than Aspen, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Aspen has a cost index of 206 while Clifton sits at 83, 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 $1,035/month in Clifton — a 83% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Clifton is more affordable at $234,200 median vs $1,375,000.

Median household income in Aspen is $78,636 compared to $54,301 in Clifton (+44.8%). 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 22.9% in Clifton.