Cost of Living in Golden, CO
Population 20,467 · Colorado · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Golden run well above the national baseline, with a median of $791,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $95,913 place the city among the better-paid Colorado metros.
Golden sits roughly 6 miles northwest of Lakewood — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 44% higher than Lakewood's $548,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Golden
The median home value in Golden is $790,500 — 159% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,854/month, 41% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $95,913/year is 29% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.5%, 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, Golden has a cost of living index of 212 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 112% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Golden, CO?
Golden has a cost index of 212 (100 = national average). It is 112% above the national average.
What is average rent in Golden, CO?
The median gross rent in Golden is $1,854 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Golden?
The median home value in Golden is $790,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Golden?
The median household income in Golden is $95,913 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Golden, CO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Golden is 7.8%. The Colorado state income tax top rate is 4.4%.
Is Golden, CO affordable?
Golden is above average in cost of living, with an index of 212 — about 112% higher than the national average.
Golden at a Glance
- Population
- 20,467
- Median Income
- $95,913
- Home Value
- $790,500
- Median Rent
- $1,854/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.5%
- Sales Tax
- 7.8%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Colorado Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
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