How Much House Can I Afford in Colorado on $85K?
Based on Colorado's 0.51% property tax rate and $3,200/yr homeowners insurance.
Can You Afford the Median Home in Colorado?
The median home in Colorado ($520K) exceeds your $281K budget by $239K. But many areas in Colorado have homes well below the median. Check the affordable cities below for areas within your budget.
Affordable Cities in Colorado on $85K
These Colorado cities have median home prices within your $281K budget.
Up to $25,000 second mortgage. First-time buyers in Colorado should explore this program to reduce upfront costs. Combined with your $281K budget, state assistance can significantly lower the cash you need to close.
Buying a Home in Colorado on $85K
In Colorado, your $85K salary buys roughly the same as the national average. With a 0.51% property tax rate and $3,200/yr insurance, your maximum affordable price is $281K, close to the $278K you would get using national averages. This means Colorado's overall housing costs are in line with most of the country.
Colorado's 0.51% property tax rate is one of the lowest in the country, which is a major advantage for homebuyers. On a $281K home, you would pay just $1,432/yr in property taxes — only $119/mo. This low tax burden is why your purchasing power in Colorado exceeds the national average. More of your monthly payment goes toward building equity rather than taxes.
Budget $7K for closing costs in Colorado (roughly 1.4% of the purchase price). Combined with your $28,079 down payment, you will need approximately $35K in cash to close. CHFA Down Payment Assistance may help offset these costs — contact them early in the process to understand eligibility and timelines. Get pre-approved with a Colorado-based lender who understands local programs and can close efficiently.