Cost of Living in Parker, CO

Population 60,115 · Colorado · Data vintage 2023

181
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in Parker sits 101% above the national median — $613,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $129,342 (73% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.

Parker sits roughly 8 miles southeast of Centennial — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Centennial's $627,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 201
Rent 150

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

About the Cost of Living in Parker

The median home value in Parker is $613,200 — 101% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,973/month, 50% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $129,342/year is 73% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.0%, 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, Parker has a cost of living index of 181 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 81% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$613,200
101% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$681,456
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,973/mo
50% above avg
Zillow Rent
$2,131/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
25.9x
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 72.2%
Renter-occupied 27.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,973
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,587/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
28.0 min
4% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
24.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
66.3%
Carpooled
6.5%
Public transit
0.9%
Walked
0.9%
Bicycle
0.0%
Work from home
24.5%

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
$129,342
73% above avg
Per Capita Income
$55,818
Unemployment Rate
3.0%
37% below avg
Poverty Rate
3.2%
Labor Force Participation
76.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 34.7%
Graduate degree 18.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 36.2
Male median age 35.5
Female median age 36.6

💨 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 Parker, CO?

Parker has a cost index of 181 (100 = national average). It is 81% above the national average.

What is average rent in Parker, CO?

The median gross rent in Parker is $1,973 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Parker?

The median home value in Parker is $613,200 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Parker?

The median household income in Parker is $129,342 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Parker, CO?

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

Is Parker, CO affordable?

Parker is above average in cost of living, with an index of 181 — about 81% higher than the national average.