Housing Costs in Broomfield
Housing is typically the largest expense for Broomfield residents. As of 2025, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Broomfield is approximately $2,100 per month. For those looking to purchase a home, the typical mortgage payment for a 3-bedroom house falls in the range of $2,400 to $3,000 monthly, assuming a 20% down payment.
It’s important to note that many neighborhoods in Broomfield have active Homeowners Associations (HOAs). While not mandatory in all areas, HOA fees can add $200 to $400 or more to the monthly cost of homeownership. Renters may have some or all of the HOA fees included in their lease, but it’s crucial to clarify this with the property manager.
For comparison, here is a table summarizing common housing costs in Broomfield:
| Housing Type | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $2,100 |
| 3BR House Mortgage | $2,400 – $3,000 |
| Typical HOA Fee | $200 – $400 |
Utilities and Energy Bills
Utility costs in Broomfield are generally in line with the national average. For a 2-bedroom apartment, residents can expect to pay around $120 per month for electricity, $40 for natural gas, $70 for water and sewer, and $30 for trash and recycling. Larger homes will see proportionally higher utility bills.
It’s worth noting that electricity costs tend to spike in the summer months as air conditioning becomes a necessity. In July and August, cooling can easily add $50 or more to the monthly electric bill. Natural gas costs rise in the winter as furnaces work harder to keep homes comfortable.
Here’s a monthly estimate for common utility expenses:
- Electricity: $120
- Natural gas: $40
- Water & sewer: $70
- Trash & recycling: $30
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Food costs in Broomfield are slightly higher than the national average. According to recent data, a single adult can expect to spend around $350 per month on groceries, while a family of four typically spends closer to $1,000. Of course, these figures can vary significantly based on dietary preferences and shopping habits.
Dining out is a popular option in Broomfield, with a wide variety of restaurants and cuisines available. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant typically runs $50 to $70, not including drinks or tip. Fast food or take-out meals are more budget-friendly, with an average cost of $8 to $12 per person.
Household essentials like toiletries, cleaning supplies, and paper goods add another $50 to $100 to the monthly budget for most Broomfield residents. For a two-person household, a typical monthly grocery and essentials budget might look like:
- Groceries: $700
- Dining out (3 times/month): $180
- Household essentials: $75
Taxes and Hidden Fees
Colorado has a relatively low property tax rate, with Broomfield County charging around 0.6% of a home’s assessed value each year. For a $500,000 house, this translates to approximately $3,000 in annual property taxes, or $250 per month.
Sales tax in Broomfield is 8.15%, which includes the state, county, and city rates. This tax applies to most goods and some services, adding a small but noticeable amount to everyday purchases.
Vehicle registration fees are another hidden cost for Broomfield residents. The exact amount depends on the vehicle’s age and value, but most car owners can expect to pay $100 to $200 per year to keep their registration current.
Here’s a side-by-side look at some common taxes and fees:
| Tax/Fee Type | Rate | Example Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Property Tax | 0.6% of assessed value | $250/month ($500K home) |
| Sales Tax | 8.15% | $8.15 on $100 purchase |
| Vehicle Registration | Varies by vehicle | $100 – $200 per year |
Monthly Budget Summary
To summarize, here’s a table showing estimated monthly expenses for three different household types in Broomfield:
| Expense Category | Single Adult | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent/mortgage) | $1,500 | $2,100 | $2,700 |
| Utilities | $200 | $260 | $350 |
| Groceries & Dining | $500 | $955 | $1,250 |
| Transportation | $200 | $300 | $400 |
| Healthcare | $250 | $500 | $800 |
| Other Necessities | $250 | $400 | $600 |
| Total Monthly Expenses | $2,900 | $4,515 | $6,100 |
| Suggested Gross Income | $3,900 | $6,000 | $8,100 |
Note: All income figures are expressed as gross monthly income (pre-tax). A good rule of thumb is to keep total expenses under 75% of gross income.
Lifestyle Considerations
Broomfield offers a high quality of life, with plenty of open space, well-regarded schools, and a strong sense of community. The city’s location between Denver and Boulder provides easy access to both urban amenities and outdoor recreation.
Most Broomfield neighborhoods consist of single-family homes, with a mix of older properties and newer developments. While the city is generally safe and family-friendly, some areas are more affordable than others. Homes in the Anthem and Wildgrass neighborhoods, for example, tend to be larger and pricier than those in Broomfield Heights or Northmoor.
Commute times in Broomfield vary depending on the destination and time of day. Driving to Denver during rush hour can take 45 minutes to an hour, while Boulder is a more manageable 20 to 30 minutes away. The RTD bus system provides public transit options, and the Flatiron Flyer offers express service to Denver.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Is Broomfield an affordable place to live?
A: Compared to nearby Boulder and Denver, Broomfield offers a more affordable cost of living. However, housing costs are still above the national average. - Q: How much do I need to earn to live comfortably in Broomfield?
A: A comfortable lifestyle in Broomfield generally requires a gross monthly income of at least $4,000 for a single person or $6,000 for a couple. - Q: Are property taxes high in Broomfield?
A: No, Broomfield has a relatively low property tax rate of around 0.6% of assessed value. This is lower than many other parts of the Denver metro area. - Q: Is Broomfield a good place to raise a family?
A: Yes, Broomfield is known for its family-friendly neighborhoods, good schools, and abundance of parks and open spaces. It’s a popular choice for families seeking a suburban lifestyle. - Q: How does the cost of living in Broomfield compare to other Denver suburbs?
A: Broomfield is generally more affordable than suburbs like Superior or Louisville, but pricier than communities farther north like Thornton or Brighton.