Empire, CO vs Parachute, CO

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Parachute is 26.1% cheaper than Empire. With a cost index of 86 vs 109, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Parachute to Empire should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Empire is $1,566/month compared to $1,050/month in Parachute — a 49% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Parachute is more affordable at $269,500 median vs $297,600.

Median household income in Empire is $63,092 compared to $58,910 in Parachute (+7.1%). Empire 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 Empire spend roughly 29.8% of their income on rent, more than the 21.4% in Parachute.