The difference is, Colorado is taxing ("Fee's" per Hickenlooper) into complete unaffordability. Just like California did. But with no safeguards in place like CA has.  For example, Prop 13, no tax on foods, etc.  
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March 31, 2017 - 7 Colorado counties top the list of most “unaffordable” housing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyCHcWUvAqc
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Colorado cost of living is 116.70. 
The cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100.
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Here is one of the more affluent areas, Eagle County CO. As the article says "Utah is a much better deal."
http://www.vaildaily.com/news/demographer-eagle-county-cant-sustain-high-cost-low-wage-model/