Cost of Living in Highlands Ranch, CO

Population 101,437 · Colorado · Data vintage 2023

205
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Highlands Ranch's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $673,000 for a typical home, 121% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $155,847 that put it in the upper third of the state.

Cost Overview

Housing 221
Rent 182

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

About the Cost of Living in Highlands Ranch

The median home value in Highlands Ranch is $672,600 — 121% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,397/month, 82% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $155,847/year is 109% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.7%, 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, Highlands Ranch has a cost of living index of 205 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 105% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$672,600
121% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$701,699
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,397/mo
82% above avg
Zillow Rent
$2,396/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
23.4x
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 79.2%
Renter-occupied 20.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,397
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,011/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
27.4 min
1% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
29.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
63.7%
Carpooled
3.6%
Public transit
1.2%
Walked
0.8%
Bicycle
0.4%
Work from home
29.5%

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
$155,847
109% above avg
Per Capita Income
$69,593
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
24% below avg
Poverty Rate
2.4%
Labor Force Participation
71.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 41.4%
Graduate degree 25.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.4
Male median age 40.3
Female median age 42.3

💨 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 Highlands Ranch, CO?

Highlands Ranch has a cost index of 205 (100 = national average). It is 105% above the national average.

What is average rent in Highlands Ranch, CO?

The median gross rent in Highlands Ranch is $2,397 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Highlands Ranch?

The median home value in Highlands Ranch is $672,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Highlands Ranch?

The median household income in Highlands Ranch is $155,847 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Highlands Ranch, CO?

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

Is Highlands Ranch, CO affordable?

Highlands Ranch is above average in cost of living, with an index of 205 — about 105% higher than the national average.

Highlands Ranch at a Glance

Population
101,437
Median Income
$155,847
Home Value
$672,600
Median Rent
$2,397/mo
Unemployment
3.7%
Sales Tax
7.8%
View all cities in Colorado →
🗺️ County data for Colorado

Explore county-level cost of living data

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