Steamboat Springs, located in the picturesque state of Colorado, is known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant community. Understanding the cost of living in this city is crucial for anyone considering a move or planning to visit.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you make informed financial decisions.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $24.5 on average, with a range between $15 and $34.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $124, with prices ranging from $98 to $150.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $15, with a range between $12 and $18.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $6.5 to $8, imported beer $5 to $10, cappuccino $6 to $7.5, and Coke/Pepsi $3.85 to $5.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced at $1.28 per liter.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $3.31.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $5.99 to $6.85, averaging $6.42.
  • Fruits (e.g., Bananas) - Bananas cost $1.52 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Onions) - Onions are priced at $1.96 per kg.

Transportation

  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.03 and $1.12 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares have a waiting charge of $17 per hour.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2179 to $2200, averaging $2189.5.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $3202.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $4000 to $6480, averaging $5240.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $5230.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $10075.02 to $10763.91, averaging $10419.47.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $4994.45.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment average $250.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $72 to $75, with an average cost of $73.5.
  • Mobile Phone Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data averages $294, ranging from $150 to $438.
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United States

Cost of Living Rankings

The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Oct, 2025
Full Cost of Living Rankings

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 3 user contributions, as of the most recent update in July, 2025.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant
$24.50
Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks)
$124.00
Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal)
$15.00
Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter)
$7.25
Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle)
$7.50
Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle)
$4.43
Bottled Water (0.33 Liter)
$2.90
Cappuccino (Regular Size)
$6.75
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (Regular, 1 Liter)
$1.28
Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf)
$3.31
Eggs (12, Large Size)
$6.42
Local Cheese (1 kg)
$28.33
Bottled Water (1.5 Liter)
$4.12
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$21.00
Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle)
$6.19
Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro)
$14.95
Chicken Fillets (1 kg)
$22.02
Bananas (1 kg)
$1.52
Onions (1 kg)
$1.96
Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg)
$32.52
Transportation
Avg / Range
Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price)
$0.00
Gasoline (1 Liter)
$1.07
Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff)
$17.00
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car)
$29,000.00
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre
$2,189.50
1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre
$3,202.00
3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre
$5,240.00
3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre
$5,230.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage)
$250.00
Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher)
$73.50
Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$294.00
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Monthly Fitness Club Membership
$72.50
Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend)
$0.00
Cinema Ticket (International Release)
$12.00
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar)
$78.00
Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M)
$98.00
Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$138.00
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$180.00
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$10,419.47
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$4,994.45
Childcare
Avg / Range
Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child
$3,500.00
Steamboat Springs Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Steamboat Springs offers a high cost of living, particularly in housing and dining. The city centre is notably expensive for both renting and buying property.

Dining out can be costly, especially at mid-range restaurants. However, there are more affordable options for casual dining and fast food.

Transportation costs are moderate, with gasoline prices slightly above the national average.

Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, but mobile phone plans can vary significantly in cost.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Steamboat Springs presents a relatively high cost of living, driven by expensive housing and dining options. Prospective residents should budget carefully, especially if planning to live in the city centre.

While the city offers a beautiful environment and vibrant community, financial planning is essential to manage the higher expenses associated with living in this desirable location.

Steamboat Springs

Nearby Cities

We don't have any relevant "Quality of life" data on cities with a 200 mile radius of Steamboat Springs
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