$100,000 May Not Mean What You Think in Colorado

It seems like every year things get more and more expensive. Have you seen the price for a gallon of gas lately? It's outrageous. Many of my friends are reconsidering their annual summer road trips because gas prices are so high right now.

READ MORE: What’s Happening With Gas Prices in Colorado

That is just one of the many aspects of how expensive living is nowadays. Let's not even start on the price of utilities; it's only going to stress us out. With the price of gas, utilities, and housing, it's hard not to feel like you are falling behind every month.

What a $100,000 Salary Means in Colorado

Remember when you were a kid and you thought $100,000 was a lot of money. I do, and to a certain extent, I still think it is. However, in 2026, it doesn't get you far. For years now, Colorado has been considered one of the most expensive states to live in.

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A new study that has been released by MoneyLion shows us that Colorado is ranked as the eighth most expensive state in the nation based on salary. If you make $100,000 per year, you might be surprised to know what your income bracket is considered.

MoneyLion breaks the factors down into three categories. Median household income, annual cost of necessities, and top income for the lower-middle class. The median household income for Colorado is $97,113, and the annual cost of necessities is $60,157.

Is $100,000 Lower-Middle Class in Colorado?

The report shows Coloradans making $107,903 annually at the top of the list when it comes to the lower-middle class. Does this feel insane to anyone else? See the full report and the states where a $100k salary still puts you in the lower-middle-class bracket at moneylion.com.