Idaho Springs, CO vs Mead, CO

Idaho Springs is moderately more affordable than Mead, with a 14.8% lower cost of living index. Idaho Springs scores 108 compared to 127 for Mead, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Mead can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Idaho Springs is $1,175/month compared to $1,583/month in Mead — a 26% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Idaho Springs is more affordable at $434,900 median vs $552,100.

Median household income in Idaho Springs is $85,450 compared to $116,074 in Mead (-26.4%). While Mead is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Idaho Springs spend roughly 16.5% of their income on rent, more than the 16.4% in Mead.