Is Denver, CO cheaper than Highlands Ranch, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 4.4% more expensive than Highlands Ranch, CO. This translates to spending an extra $329 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Highlands Ranch, CO?

If you earn $150,000 in Highlands Ranch, CO, you'd need approximately $153,945.317 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Highlands Ranch, CO and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 16.0% more expensive than in Highlands Ranch, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,588/month in Highlands Ranch, CO.

How much can I save per month by moving from Highlands Ranch, CO to Denver, CO?

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $329 more per month than Highlands Ranch, CO, or $3945 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Highlands Ranch, CO vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Highlands Ranch, CO — COL adjusted from Denver, CO area + state data

Current salary in Highlands Ranch, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $329/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.9K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 4.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$329

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$3.9K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Highlands Ranch, CO

Population:103K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$513K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:104

Median Home:$513K

Highlands Ranch, CO

The Centennial State

103K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Colorado, this city has a population of 103K residents.

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Highlands Ranch, CO vs Denver, CO

Category	Highlands Ranch, CO	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,801/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $448more	16.0%
📦Other	$1,700/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $74.52more	4.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,400/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $61.38more	4.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,007/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $21.84more	2.2%
🏥Healthcare	$619/mo	$632/mo	↑ $13.41more	2.2%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$519/mo	↑ $11.02more	2.2%

🏠Housing

↑ 16.0%

Highlands Ranch, CO

$2,801

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$448

📦Other

↑ 4.4%

Highlands Ranch, CO

$1,700

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$74.52

🚗Transportation

↑ 4.4%

Highlands Ranch, CO

$1,400

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$61.38

🛒Groceries

↑ 2.2%

Highlands Ranch, CO

$1,007

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$21.84

🏥Healthcare

↑ 2.2%

Highlands Ranch, CO

$619

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$13.41

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.2%

Highlands Ranch, CO

$508

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$11.02

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

Highlands Ranch, CO has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,099

To$1,720

↑ $621

1 Bed

From$1,262

To$1,840

↑ $578

2 Bed

From$1,588

To$2,190

↑ $602

3 Bed

From$2,199

To$2,870

↑ $671

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,035

Monthly in Highlands Ranch, CO

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$630

Difference

Home Values

Highlands Ranch

Denver

Median Value

$513K

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Calculate payment - Denver

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Highlands Ranch, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Highlands Ranch, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.