Cost of Living in Highlands Ranch, CO

With a cost of living index of 165, Highlands Ranch, CO is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 65% more expensive than the national average and 51% above the Colorado state average of 114. As a major city with a population of 101,437, Highlands Ranch offers a wide range of housing options, employment opportunities, and urban amenities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Highlands Ranch's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $2,397 (82% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $672,600 (121% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.3x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Highlands Ranch is $155,847, which is 107% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 18% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. While incomes are above average, they more than offset the higher cost of living.

Everyday prices in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.