Bayfield, CO vs Ouray, CO

Bayfield, CO and Ouray, CO have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.4% difference in their overall index. Bayfield scores 108 while Ouray scores 110 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Bayfield is $1,265/month compared to $962/month in Ouray — a 32% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Ouray has cheaper rent, Bayfield actually has lower median home values ($418,400 vs $549,200).

Median household income in Bayfield is $92,821 compared to $76,458 in Ouray (+21.4%). Bayfield offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Bayfield spend roughly 16.4% of their income on rent, more than the 15.1% in Ouray.