Highlands Ranch, CO

Very High · 185

Colorado · Population 101,437 · Updated March 2026

$2,397
Median Rent / Month
$155,847
Median Income
$672,600
Median Home Value
$2,408
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Highlands Ranch

18.5%
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

$28,764
Annual Rent
$6,857
State Income Tax
$3,430
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Highlands Ranch has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 185 (where 100 equals the national median), Highlands Ranch residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,397/month while earning a median household income of $155,847/year.

The median home value in Highlands Ranch, CO is $672,600, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,408 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 18.5% 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 Highlands Ranch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Highlands Ranch

What is the cost of living in Highlands Ranch, CO?
The cost of living index in Highlands Ranch, CO is 185 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,397, median household income is $155,847/year, and the median home value is $672,600.
Is Highlands Ranch, CO affordable?
No, Highlands Ranch is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 185. The rent-to-income ratio is 18.5%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Highlands Ranch, CO?
The median gross rent in Highlands Ranch, CO is $2,397 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $28,764.
What is the median household income in Highlands Ranch?
The median household income in Highlands Ranch, CO is $155,847 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%.