Dakota Ridge, CO vs Highlands Ranch, CO

Dakota Ridge is moderately more affordable than Highlands Ranch, with a 10.5% lower cost of living index. Dakota Ridge scores 148 compared to 165 for Highlands Ranch, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Highlands Ranch can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Dakota Ridge is $2,103/month compared to $2,397/month in Highlands Ranch — a 12% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Dakota Ridge is more affordable at $570,400 median vs $672,600.

Median household income in Dakota Ridge is $120,368 compared to $155,847 in Highlands Ranch (-22.8%). While Highlands Ranch is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Dakota Ridge spend roughly 21% of their income on rent, more than the 18.5% in Highlands Ranch.