Cortez, CO vs Durango, CO

The cost of living difference between Cortez, CO and Durango, CO is dramatic. Cortez is 35.8% cheaper than Durango, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Cortez has a cost index of 85 while Durango sits at 133, 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 Cortez is $1,028/month compared to $1,562/month in Durango — a 34% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Cortez is more affordable at $226,700 median vs $609,700.

Median household income in Cortez is $51,377 compared to $79,545 in Durango (-35.4%). The higher salaries in Durango partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Cortez spend roughly 24% of their income on rent, more than the 23.6% in Durango.