Brighton, CO

Very High · 135

Colorado · Population 41,196 · Updated March 2026

$1,734
Median Rent / Month
$100,134
Median Income
$475,100
Median Home Value
$1,908
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Brighton

20.8%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Colorado

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

4.4%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
2.9%
Sales Tax
0.51%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$20,808
Annual Rent
$4,406
State Income Tax
$2,423
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Brighton has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 135 (where 100 equals the national median), Brighton residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,734/month while earning a median household income of $100,134/year.

The median home value in Brighton, CO is $475,100, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,908 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 20.8% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Colorado has a moderate income tax rate of 4.4%. Combined with a 2.9% sales tax rate and 0.51% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Brighton.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Brighton

What is the cost of living in Brighton, CO?
The cost of living index in Brighton, CO is 135 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,734, median household income is $100,134/year, and the median home value is $475,100.
Is Brighton, CO affordable?
No, Brighton is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 135. The rent-to-income ratio is 20.8%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Brighton, CO?
The median gross rent in Brighton, CO is $1,734 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $20,808.
What is the median household income in Brighton?
The median household income in Brighton, CO is $100,134 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Colorado?
Colorado has a top income tax rate of 4.4%, a sales tax of 2.9%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.51%.