Colorado: where the skies are blue, the mountains are majestic, and your bank account is gasping for oxygen like a flatlander on a 14er. The Centennial State promises fresh air, stunning hikes, and plenty of craft beer—but it also hides some sneaky expenses that’ll quietly climb higher than Pike’s Peak. Here’s what your wallet needs to know before you say “I moved here for the lifestyle.”
Table of Contents
1. Housing Prices With Altitude Sickness
Everyone wants to live near the mountains—unfortunately, so does everyone else. Home prices (especially in Denver, Boulder, and mountain towns) have skyrocketed, and rent isn’t far behind.
2. That “Free” Nature Comes with Gear Costs
Skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, climbing… sure, the mountains are free, but the gear? Not so much. Hope you like spending $1,200 on equipment just to blend in at REI.
3. Car Repairs from Winter Road Damage
Snow, ice, and road salt wreak havoc on tires, brakes, and your paint job. Add potholes the size of kiddie pools, and you’re budgeting for alignments and repairs twice a year.
4. Higher Grocery Bills in Mountain Towns
If you’re not near a major metro area, expect to pay more for basic groceries. It’s a long haul to deliver avocados up a snowy pass, and your receipt will reflect that.
5. Outdoor Hobby Overload
Fly fishing, paddleboarding, rafting, mountain biking—Colorado is a hobbyist’s paradise and a bank account’s worst nightmare. It’s not peer pressure, it’s powder pressure.
6. Property Taxes That Sneak Up with Mill Levies
Colorado’s base property tax rate is low—but then come the school, fire, rec district, and open space mill levies. Before you know it, your “affordable” tax bill isn’t so affordable.
7. Altitude = Utility Surprises
It gets cold—really cold. Heating costs (especially in the mountains) can spike in winter, and don’t forget humidifiers, because indoor air turns your house into a moisture-free mummy tomb.
8. Health Insurance That’s Not Very Healthy
Colorado ranks high in premiums, especially if you’re self-employed or buying your own plan. That outdoor lifestyle doesn’t come with free co-pays, unfortunately.
9. Wildfire Insurance (and Anxiety)
More areas are now considered high-risk for wildfires. That means higher insurance premiums—and in some places, fewer options altogether.
10. Seasonal Tire Budget (Yes, It’s a Thing)
You’ll either need snow tires or a good set of all-weathers to comply with traction laws. Some people even have two full sets of tires—and yes, they switch them out every year like a second wardrobe.
11. Avalanche Gear, Just in Case
Planning on backcountry skiing or hiking off the beaten path? You’ll want avalanche transceivers, beacons, probes—and maybe a class on how not to die. Welcome to the expensive side of adventure.
12. Breweries and Brunch Will Drain You Slowly
It starts with one beer flight and an elk burger, and before you know it, you’re dropping $60 on brunch every weekend. The Denver dining scene is elite—and habit-forming…