Golden, CO

Very High · 171

Colorado · Population 20,467 · Updated March 2026

$1,854
Median Rent / Month
$95,913
Median Income
$790,500
Median Home Value
$1,749
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Golden

23.2%
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

$22,248
Annual Rent
$4,220
State Income Tax
$4,032
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Golden has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 171 (where 100 equals the national median), Golden residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,854/month while earning a median household income of $95,913/year.

The median home value in Golden, CO is $790,500, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,749 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 23.2% 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 Golden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Golden

What is the cost of living in Golden, CO?
The cost of living index in Golden, CO is 171 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,854, median household income is $95,913/year, and the median home value is $790,500.
Is Golden, CO affordable?
No, Golden is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 171. The rent-to-income ratio is 23.2%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Golden, CO?
The median gross rent in Golden, CO is $1,854 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $22,248.
What is the median household income in Golden?
The median household income in Golden, CO is $95,913 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%.