10 Colorado Mountain Towns Where You Can Live on Nothing but Social Security

If you're dreaming of retirement in a Colorado mountain town, you might think it's beyond your Social Security budget. But think again. It's true that Colorado has a reputation for being expensive, but some of its scenic small towns have much lower living costs than the larger cities and ski resort areas.

According to the Social Security Administration, the average monthly benefit for retired workers is around $2,000 as of August 2025. You may receive more or less than that, or you might live with a spouse who also receives benefits or other income. But the goal is to stretch your check as far as it can go.

Here are 10 Colorado mountain towns we discovered that might be right for you.

Editor's note: Unless otherwise noted, average rent prices are from Apartments.com and housing costs are from Zillow.

Average rent: $1,237

Average home value: $417,951

Grand Junction is known as Colorado's Wine Country, and if you enjoy wine, you'll love the local vineyards along with 30 wineries and tasting rooms. You'll also find plenty of agritourism, with opportunities to pick your own produce and stroll through lavender fields.

Downtown attractions include a farmers market, outdoor cafés, art galleries, and street festivals. Grand Junction is also a major medical center, with plenty of health care options.

Average rent: $1,200

Average home value: $709,537

Salida's historic downtown is filled with art galleries, shops, excellent restaurants, and cafés. You'll find music venues and live theater, too, and on warm days, you can cool off on the beach along the Arkansas River. Salida offers 48 hiking trails amidst breathtaking mountain views, and if you feel overexerted, treat yourself to a dip in the natural hot springs.

Retirees enjoy socializing at the community center, and a regional medical center is right in town.

Average rent: $1,150

Average home value: $452,075

Paonia is a small, friendly town known as "Colorado's farm-to-table capital" and a center for organic farming and winemaking. It's known for its orchards, vineyards, and local food scene, as well as a charming downtown with shops, restaurants, and a health food store that features organically grown produce. Festivals like Cherry Days bring the community together.

Basic medical services are available, with larger facilities located in Delta, Colorado, and other nearby locations.

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Average rent: $1,000

Average home value: $338,025

Cañon City is best known for the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, where you can walk 956 feet high over the gorgeous Arkansas River and canyon or, if you prefer, hop on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad scenic tour. Mild weather is another major attraction, and the walkable, historic downtown area features antique stores, cafés, and museums.

The town offers good health care, and it's a popular destination for retirees.

Average rent: $1,014

Average home value: $288,794

Pueblo gets the most sunshine of any town in Colorado, a place where you can enjoy low humidity and mild temperatures. It's home to numerous galleries and museums, including the Steelworks Center of the West, along with the city's downtown riverwalk. Fishing and boating at Lake Pueblo State Park are also popular.

The regional and VA medical center, and a lower cost of living than other U.S. cities, make it an excellent retirement destination.

Average rent: $903

Average home value: $542,355

Manitou Springs is a charming mountain town just west of Colorado Springs. It's known for its natural mineral springs, diverse cuisine, and spectacular mountain views, including Pikes Peak. It's a great spot for art lovers and outdoor explorers alike, with numerous galleries, unique shops, and nearby attractions like Garden of the Gods and the famous Manitou Incline.

While health care options in Manitou Springs are limited, nearby Colorado Springs offers award-winning, comprehensive medical care.

Average rent: $764

Average home value: $237,384

Trinidad blends Old West history with modern culture. The Santa Fe Trail, which connected Missouri and Santa Fe, New Mexico during the mid-1800s, helped promote the town's commercial growth. You'll enjoy unique shops and eateries in the walkable historic downtown, and it's a great place for outdoor activities, too. Trinidad Lake State Park is nearby for fishing, boating, and picnicking.

Set on the scenic Highway of Legends, Trinidad is the center of activity in southeastern Colorado.

Average rent: $645

Average home value: $341,039

Mesa Verde National Park and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Park are just a short drive from Cortez, making the town perfect for history and archaeology enthusiasts. The town is rich in Native American culture, with museums, art and cultural centers, and ancient ruins nearby.

Although Cortez is a rural town, you'll find everything you need at national outlets, including a Walmart Supercenter and The Home Depot, plus a regional medical center for everyday needs.

Average rent: $579

Average home value: $655,949

High in the mountains and only 17 miles from Boulder and an hour from Denver, Nederland is known for its quirky personality. Residents enjoy theater, local artists, and numerous shops and cafés downtown, as well as the Frozen Dead Guy Days festival. The Nederland Community Center and Nederland Area Seniors provide activities and connections for older adults.

It's a peaceful and scenic place with basic health care services and plenty of fun and relaxing activities to enjoy.

Average rent: $566

Average home value: $609,212

If you enjoy a mix of historical charm and college-town energy, you'll love Gunnison. Although small, Western Colorado University has an impact on the local economy, particularly in the downtown area, which features shops, restaurants, a history museum, and frequent summer concerts. Outdoor activities abound, including fishing and boating at Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado's largest lake.

The town offers comprehensive health care and a regional airport, making it convenient while still feeling remote.

Mountain towns in Colorado may seem out of reach if you'll be living on Social Security. But a little investigation can turn up communities offering a quieter, more peaceful lifestyle with a lower cost of living than the well-known cities and touristy spots.

Each of these small towns has a unique character, and they offer far more than the highlights mentioned here. For example, many Colorado mountain towns are Certified Dark Sky Places. That means stargazing can be downright magical due to minimal light pollution.

If you're dreaming of mountain living without breaking the bank, consider these small towns as part of your retirement plan.