Why Does Everything In Northern Colorado Cost As Much As A Kidney Now?

You don't have to be a mathematician to see how dang expensive things in Northern Colorado cost in 2026. It's painful looking back to the 80s, 90s, or even the early 2000s because things were simpler and much cheaper.

As painful as it might be, let's look at how much things cost decades ago versus now. Get ready to be sad.

Costs then and now

• Home prices: In 2000, the average cost of a new home in Northern Colorado was about $194,042. Wow. In 2026, you should expect to spend around $574,687, as that is the median price.
• Don't want to buy? Are you more of a renter? In 2000, the average cost of a month's rent was $689.00, while in 2026 it is closer to $1,917.00. How is that even possible?
• Let's talk about one of the most painful kicks to the gut: gas prices. In high school, I could fill up my entire tank for $20. But in 2026, gas prices are so different. In 2000, gas cost $1.50- $1.60 per gallon. Today you're looking at $4.41 a gallon. Ooofff.
• At one time, you could attend Colorado State University for about $2,408 per year. An entire year. In the 2026 budget, it is about $14,160 per year. That's an increase of $11,752.

Why have costs gone up so much?

• Labor costs have gone way up. With the cost of living, people need to pay their employees more. Doesn't it just feel like a big circle?
• Inflation. What was once $5 blew up to $20, and something that was once reasonably priced has, 20-30 years later, blown up.

Kind of makes you wonder what the next 30 years will look like. $100 for a gallon of milk? Could very well be.