Wheat Ridge, CO

Very High · 135

Colorado · Population 32,158 · Updated March 2026

$1,493
Median Rent / Month
$87,598
Median Income
$584,700
Median Home Value
$1,606
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Wheat Ridge

20.5%
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

$17,916
Annual Rent
$3,854
State Income Tax
$2,982
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Wheat Ridge 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), Wheat Ridge residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,493/month while earning a median household income of $87,598/year.

The median home value in Wheat Ridge, CO is $584,700, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,606 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 20.5% 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 Wheat Ridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Wheat Ridge

What is the cost of living in Wheat Ridge, CO?
The cost of living index in Wheat Ridge, CO is 135 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,493, median household income is $87,598/year, and the median home value is $584,700.
Is Wheat Ridge, CO affordable?
No, Wheat Ridge is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 135. The rent-to-income ratio is 20.5%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Wheat Ridge, CO?
The median gross rent in Wheat Ridge, CO is $1,493 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $17,916.
What is the median household income in Wheat Ridge?
The median household income in Wheat Ridge, CO is $87,598 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%.