Cost of Living in Columbine, CO

Population 25,681 · Colorado · Data vintage 2023

189
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Home prices in Columbine run well above the national baseline, with a median of $591,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $129,480 place the city among the better-paid Colorado metros.

Columbine sits roughly 6 miles northwest of Highlands Ranch — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 12% lower than Highlands Ranch's $673,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 194
Rent 182

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

About the Cost of Living in Columbine

The median home value in Columbine is $590,600 — 94% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,391/month, 82% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $129,480/year is 74% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.5%, 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, Columbine has a cost of living index of 189 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 89% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$590,600
94% above avg
Median Rent
$2,391/mo
82% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
20.6x
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 90.1%
Renter-occupied 9.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,391
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,005/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
20.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
71.0%
Carpooled
5.6%
Public transit
0.8%
Walked
0.8%
Bicycle
0.5%
Work from home
20.4%

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
$129,480
74% above avg
Per Capita Income
$58,591
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
27% below avg
Poverty Rate
5.3%
Labor Force Participation
67.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 36.6%
Graduate degree 15.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 40.7
Male median age 40.8
Female median age 40.5

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 49 — Good
56.4%
Good air days/yr
143
Max AQI recorded
0
PM2.5 days
363
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Columbine, CO?

Columbine has a cost index of 189 (100 = national average). It is 89% above the national average.

What is average rent in Columbine, CO?

The median gross rent in Columbine is $2,391 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Columbine?

The median home value in Columbine is $590,600 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Columbine?

The median household income in Columbine is $129,480 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Columbine, CO?

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

Is Columbine, CO affordable?

Columbine is above average in cost of living, with an index of 189 — about 89% higher than the national average.

Columbine at a Glance

Population
25,681
Median Income
$129,480
Home Value
$590,600
Median Rent
$2,391/mo
Unemployment
3.5%
Sales Tax
7.8%
View all cities in Colorado →
🗺️ County data for Colorado

Explore county-level cost of living data

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