The cost of living in Estes Park is, unfortunately, about 20% higher than the national average.
The average selling price of a home is about $465,000, while the average selling price of condominiums is about $318,0000.
There is a fair amount of senior housing and rent-adjusted housing available.
The median income is $55,000, but that also includes retirement income and is probably not representative of the overall job market. Many jobs here are seasonal, low-wage positions.
Sales tax within town limits is 8.7%.
Because the closest large retailers are located 45 minutes or more away, local prices tend to be higher than average. Also, the cost of commuting to nearby towns must be included in the cost of living; most residents of Estes Park visit these locales regularly for shopping, entertainment, medical appointments, etc.
In short, due to the high cost of living in Estes Park and the lack of housing in general, I’d highly recommend nailing down both a job and a place to live before packing up and moving here.
On a an average what would a studio or one bedroom apartment be? I hope to move to estes because I love the mountains and I would like something decent. I also have a dog.
About $700-900 per month for a small one bedroom would be typical. It can be difficult to find affordable housing long term, and even more difficult with pets. Housing tends to be easier to find during the winter, when the demand is lower.