Can A Retail Salesperson Afford Rent in Aspen, CO?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 556.2% of gross income.
Aspen rent: April 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Colorado state estimate).
About rent and a retail salesperson salary
Retail pay sits below the rent threshold needed for solo apartment living in most US metros, which is the central tension behind the widely studied retail-housing affordability gap. At the national-average retail salary, the 30% rule supports about $927 a month in rent — below the median one-bedroom rent in nearly every metro tracked here. The per-city pages show which markets are least out of reach.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Colorado cities have lower median rent than Aspen, which improves the affordability math on a retail salesperson salary:
Compare with full rent data for Aspen
View full rent data for Aspen, CO →Frequently asked questions
Can a retail salesperson afford rent in Aspen, CO?
Median rent in Aspen is $18,041 a month. A typical retail salesperson in Colorado earns about $38,924 a year, which makes that rent 556.2% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a retail salesperson afford in Aspen?
Using the 30% rule, a retail salesperson salary in Colorado (~$38,924/yr) supports up to $973 a month in rent. Aspen's current median rent is $18,041/mo, which is $17,068/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a retail salesperson work to cover rent in Aspen?
At an hourly equivalent of about $19 an hour, a retail salesperson in Colorado works roughly 964.1 hours a month to cover Aspen's median rent of $18,041.
Where is rent cheaper than Aspen for a retail salesperson?
Nearby Colorado cities with lower median rent include Basalt ($5,900/mo), Vail ($5,250/mo), Basalt ($5,050/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a retail salesperson salary.