Renting vs. Owning in Arvada: What You’ll Pay

When comparing the cost of living in an apartment vs house in Arvada, the first factor to consider is monthly housing payments. According to local rental data, the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Arvada is around $1,800 per month. In contrast, the average rent for a 3-bedroom house in Arvada is $2,450 per month. Mortgage payments on a comparable home purchase would likely fall in a similar range, depending on your down payment and interest rate.

Of course, monthly rent or mortgage payments are just one piece of the puzzle. Apartments and houses also come with different utility costs, maintenance responsibilities, and lifestyle considerations. Let’s break down the key factors to help you choose the most cost-effective option in Arvada.

Cost Comparison: Apartment vs House in Arvada

Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of common monthly costs* for mid-range apartments and houses in Arvada:

Expense	2BR Apartment	3BR House
Rent/Mortgage	$1,800	$2,450
Utilities	$150	$250
Internet	$60	$80
Renters/Homeowners Insurance	$15	$100
Maintenance & Repairs	$0	$150
HOA Fees	$200	$0
Total	$2,225	$3,030

*Estimates are for mid-range units with typical usage

As you can see, renting an apartment in Arvada tends to be more affordable on a monthly basis, with a total cost around $800 less than a comparable house rental or purchase. However, this doesn’t tell the full story. Owning a home can provide long-term equity and tax benefits that aren’t reflected here. Plus, lifestyle preferences play a big role in choosing the right housing option.

Utility and Upkeep Differences

In addition to higher base rent or mortgage payments, houses in Arvada typically come with steeper utility and maintenance costs compared to apartments:

• Heating and cooling a larger space leads to higher electricity and gas bills, though many Arvada homes use efficient swamp coolers to reduce A/C costs in the summer.
• Watering a lawn and maintaining landscaping adds to the monthly water bill.
• Houses have more complex systems like plumbing, HVAC, and roofing that require regular upkeep and repairs over time.
• Homeowners are solely responsible for repair costs, while many apartments cover at least some maintenance in the rent.

Newer apartment complexes in Arvada often include perks like trash service, basic cable, and sometimes even internet access. These bundled utilities can lead to meaningful savings compared to paying for each service separately in a house.

Lifestyle Tradeoffs to Consider

Beyond the financial factors, it’s important to consider how apartments and houses align with your lifestyle priorities. Many Arvada residents choose apartments for their low-maintenance, walkable locations close to dining and entertainment. Young professionals and empty nesters often prefer the simplicity of apartment life.

On the flip side, growing families tend to favor houses for the extra space, private yards, and kid-friendly neighborhoods. Houses also offer more flexibility for pet owners, home offices, workshops, and hosting guests. And while some apartments include a garage or covered parking, houses generally have more storage for vehicles, recreational gear, and other belongings.

Which Is Cheaper Long-Term in Arvada?

If your time horizon is at least 5 years, buying a house in Arvada can be more cost-effective than renting. Let’s assume a $400,000 purchase price with 20% down at a 3% interest rate. The total monthly payment including property taxes and insurance would be around $2,500.

Over 5 years, that adds up to $150,000 in payments – but you’d gain about $45,000 in equity as you pay down the mortgage. You’d also likely benefit from home value appreciation over that period. In contrast, paying $2,000 a month in rent over 5 years adds up to $120,000 spent without building any equity.

Of course, these scenarios depend heavily on your budget, down payment, and interest rates available at the time of purchase. And there are substantial upfront costs to buying a home. But in general, if you plan to stay put for a while, a house can be a smart long-term investment in Arvada.

FAQs About Housing Costs in Arvada

How much more does a house cost per month?
On average, a house in Arvada costs about $800 more per month than a comparable apartment when you consider rent/mortgage, utilities, insurance, and maintenance. But the exact difference depends on the size, age, and amenities of each property.

Do houses always have higher utility bills?
In most cases, yes. Houses are larger and have more complex systems, so utilities like electricity, gas, water, and internet tend to cost more. But efficient upgrades and careful usage can help keep utility costs manageable.

Are apartments still cheaper with pet rent and fees?
It depends on the apartment, but in most cases, yes. Pet rent usually adds $25-50 per month, which is less than the added utility and upkeep costs of a house. And while some apartments charge one-time pet fees, they’re still a fraction of the upfront costs of buying a house.

Making the Right Housing Choice in Arvada

So, is it better to rent an apartment or buy a house in Arvada? The short answer is, it depends. Apartments offer lower monthly costs, included amenities, and a low-maintenance lifestyle. Houses provide more space, yard access, and long-term investment potential.

If your budget is tight or you value simplicity and walkability, an apartment is likely the most cost-effective choice, especially in the short term. But if you’re ready to put down roots and can afford the upfront costs, a house can be a great way to build equity in a rising Arvada market.

Whichever option you choose, make sure to consider your monthly budget holistically, accounting for not just rent or mortgage, but also utilities, insurance, maintenance, and any HOA or pet fees. And don’t forget to align your housing choice with your lifestyle goals – after all, your home is about much more than just the numbers.

For more info and tools for managing your household expenses in Arvada, check out our guides on Monthly Budget Examples for Arvada Residents and Understanding Property Tax and HOA Fees in Arvada.