Highlands Ranch, CO vs Parker, CO

Parker is moderately more affordable than Highlands Ranch, with a 12.1% lower cost of living index. Highlands Ranch scores 165 compared to 147 for Parker, 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 Highlands Ranch is $2,397/month compared to $1,973/month in Parker — a 22% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Parker is more affordable at $613,200 median vs $672,600.

Median household income in Highlands Ranch is $155,847 compared to $129,342 in Parker (+20.5%). 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 Highlands Ranch spend roughly 18.5% of their income on rent, more than the 18.3% in Parker.