Basalt, CO vs Crested Butte, CO

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Crested Butte is 26.3% cheaper than Basalt. With a cost index of 155 vs 196, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Crested Butte to Basalt should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Basalt is $2,188/month compared to $1,437/month in Crested Butte — a 52% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Crested Butte is more affordable at $928,100 median vs $1,148,100.

Median household income in Basalt is $106,000 compared to $71,923 in Crested Butte (+47.4%). While Basalt is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Basalt spend roughly 24.8% of their income on rent, more than the 24% in Crested Butte.