2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Rifle, CO vs Cortez, CO

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Cortez older or younger than people in Rifle?
- The Median Age in Cortez is 6.8 years older than in Rifle.

Are housing costs cheaper in Cortez or Rifle?
- Cortez housing costs are 35.5% less expensive than Rifle housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Cortez or Rifle?
- The average commute for residents of Cortez is 13.2 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Rifle.

Things to do in Rifle?
Rifle, CO is situated along Interstate 70 at the base of Colorado’s Western Slope region close to the borders of both Utah and Wyoming. The small city has an estimated population of just over 10,000 people and features numerous recreational activities outfitted with nearby parks and natural areas to explore.

Things to do in Cortez?
Living in Cortez, CO is an incredible experience. From the stunning views of the red rock mesas and snow-capped mountains to the small-town community feel, this area offers something for everyone. With plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy like fishing, camping, horseback riding, and rock climbing, it's a great place to spend time outdoors. The town also boasts a number of historic sites such as Hovenweep National Monument, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, and Mesa Verde National Park. With so much to do and explore in and around Cortez, it's no wonder why so many choose to call it home!

 Rifle, COCortez, COUnited States
 Population  Unlock8,742329,725,481
 Median Income$72,935  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock37.938.4
 Avg. Home Price$429,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.4%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time31.91  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Rifle    6 Reviews

I love the Western Slope!! While there are a lot of good things to be said about the Western Slope of Colorado, which Rifle is, there are some concerning things as  More

   |    Reply

Been living in the area for 3 years, Rifle for half of that. The city recently upgraded the water facilities, and the north half of I-70 no longer has the nasty hard  More

   |    Reply

Over 8 years ago

This area has a heroin/meth problem. It doesn't really impact you if you avoid it, but you tend to see a lot of tweakers/beggars/homeless around town. Water is not that  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Rifle

Reviews for Cortez    6 Reviews

A digital nomad / nature lover's sunny, perfect weather paradise, at half the cost of touristy Durango. Cortez is Colorado's under-the-radar town that's mostly only  More

   |    Reply

I moved out to Cortez, Colorado after a 30 day trip around the US. Of all the places I visited, this was the place I deemed best to move for a multitude of reasons. It  More

   |    Reply

I've live on this area and cannot recommend it to anyone. Cortez and Montezuma county are horrible. School are bad. After meeting several local teachers I am surprised  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Cortez


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.