Cost of Living in Highlands Ranch
Amenity-focused master-planned community
What it costs to live in Highlands Ranch
Adjust the sliders for your situation. Ranges reflect uncertainty in HOA and metro district fees, narrower is more confident.
Based on your inputs below
Assumes 20% down, 30-year fixed at 6.5% (as of 2026-04-22).
Housing$4,043 – $4,503 | |
|---|---|
| Mortgage (6.5%, 20% down) | $3,489 |
| Property tax | $331 |
| HOA | $40 – $300 |
| Insurance | $183 |
| Metro district fees | not yet verified |
Transportation$577 | |
|---|---|
| Car payments (your input) | $500 |
| Gas (~27 min to downtown) | $77 |
Utilities$360 | |
|---|---|
| Electric & gas (Xcel Energy (electric and gas)) | $205 |
| Water (Highlands Ranch Water) | $85 |
| Internet | $70 |
Groceries$650 | |
|---|---|
| Monthly estimate | $650 |
Housing figures updated April 2026. Confidence: low.
car-dependent
Housing Market
- Median Home Price
- $675K–$703K
- Data Year
- 2026
Tax Rates
- Property Tax Rate
- ~0.52%–0.63% effective (Douglas County)
- Sales Tax Rate
- 5.0% minimum (state 2.9% + county 1% + no local city tax, unincorporated)
- Vehicle Registration
- Standard Colorado
- State Income Tax Impact
- 4.4% flat
- Cost of Living vs National
- ~44% above national average
Monthly Costs
- Water Provider
- Highlands Ranch Water
- Electric & Gas
- Xcel Energy (electric and gas)
- Internet Providers
- Quantum Fiber (up to 8 Gbps), Comcast/Xfinity
- Trash & Recycling
- Waste Management (residential pickup)
- Snow Removal
- Metro district and HRCA manage community roads
Income & Cost Context
- Cost of Living Index
- 143.6 (national avg = 100)
- Avg Childcare Cost
- $1,300–$1,600
Common QuestionsFAQ, Highlands Ranch
What is the median home price in Highlands Ranch?
As of 2026, the median home price in Highlands Ranch is approximately $675K–$703K, with premium properties reaching $800K–$860K. Pricing reflects the community’s extensive amenities, top-rated schools, and proximity to DTC.
What is the cost of living in Highlands Ranch?
Highlands Ranch’s cost of living index is approximately 143.6 (national average = 100), or about 44% above the national average. The effective property tax rate is roughly 0.52%–0.63% (Douglas County). As an unincorporated community, the base sales tax is 5.0% (state 2.9% + county 1% with no city tax). Colorado has a flat 4.4% state income tax.
Estimates for informational purposes only, not financial advice. Actual costs vary by specific property, subdivision, and household.