Cost of Living in Castle Pines, CO

Population 12,573 · Colorado · Data vintage 2023

228
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Castle Pines's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $828,000 for a typical home, 171% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $189,918 that put it in the upper third of the state. An unemployment rate of 2.6% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Located 8 miles southeast of Highlands Ranch, Castle Pines falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 23% higher than Highlands Ranch's $673,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 271
Rent 162

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Castle Pines

The median home value in Castle Pines is $827,900 — 171% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,128/month, 62% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $189,918/year is 155% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.6%, below the national average of 4.8%. Colorado's top state income tax rate is 4.4% and the combined sales tax is 7.8%. Overall, Castle Pines has a cost of living index of 228 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 128% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$827,900
171% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$882,811
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,128/mo
62% above avg
Zillow Rent
$3,114/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
32.4x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$884
1 BR
$960
2 BR
$1,251
3 BR
$1,611
4 BR
$2,004
Owner-occupied 84.1%
Renter-occupied 15.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,128
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,742/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
28.2 min
4% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
33.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
57.6%
Carpooled
4.0%
Public transit
0.2%
Walked
3.7%
Bicycle
0.1%
Work from home
33.7%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 4.4%
Total Sales Tax 7.8%
State rate 2.9%
Avg local rate 4.9%
Property Tax 0.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$189,918
155% above avg
Per Capita Income
$79,046
Unemployment Rate
2.6%
47% below avg
Poverty Rate
4.7%
Labor Force Participation
73.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 45.2%
Graduate degree 24.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 43.5
Male median age 40.5
Female median age 44.7

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 49 — Good
54.9%
Good air days/yr
177
Max AQI recorded
48
PM2.5 days
316
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Castle Pines, CO?

Castle Pines has a cost index of 228 (100 = national average). It is 128% above the national average.

What is average rent in Castle Pines, CO?

The median gross rent in Castle Pines is $2,128 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Castle Pines?

The median home value in Castle Pines is $827,900 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Castle Pines?

The median household income in Castle Pines is $189,918 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Castle Pines, CO?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Castle Pines is 7.8%. The Colorado state income tax top rate is 4.4%.

Is Castle Pines, CO affordable?

Castle Pines is above average in cost of living, with an index of 228 — about 128% higher than the national average.

Castle Pines at a Glance

Population
12,573
Median Income
$189,918
Home Value
$827,900
Median Rent
$2,128/mo
Unemployment
2.6%
Sales Tax
7.8%
View all cities in Colorado →
🗺️ County data for Colorado

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs