Idaho Springs, CO vs Shaw Heights, CO

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Idaho Springs is 19.4% cheaper than Shaw Heights. With a cost index of 108 vs 134, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Idaho Springs to Shaw Heights should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Idaho Springs is $1,175/month compared to $1,986/month in Shaw Heights — a 41% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Idaho Springs is more affordable at $434,900 median vs $452,700.

Median household income in Idaho Springs is $85,450 compared to $89,125 in Shaw Heights (-4.1%). Shaw Heights 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 Idaho Springs spend roughly 16.5% of their income on rent, less than the 26.7% in Shaw Heights.