Let’s Set the Stage
When it comes to how much it costs to live comfortably in Broomfield in 2025, the answer depends on your lifestyle expectations and household size. For most people, “living comfortably” means being able to afford quality housing, cover essential expenses, and have some disposable income left over for savings and leisure. In Broomfield, a comfortable lifestyle typically requires a gross monthly income ranging from $3,500 for a single person up to $8,000+ for a family.
Broomfield is a growing suburb northwest of Denver with a mix of established neighborhoods and new developments. Housing costs tend to be higher than the national average but more affordable than central Denver. Most residents own their homes, with a typical single-family house valued around $600,000 in 2025. Renters can expect to pay $1,600-$2,200 per month for a decent 1-2 bedroom apartment.
While Broomfield offers a high quality of life, with good schools, parks, and a strong economy, the cost of living is about 15% higher than the national average. This means households need to earn more to maintain a comfortable standard of living compared to more affordable parts of the country. Let’s break down the numbers.
Essential Monthly Costs
To live comfortably in Broomfield, you’ll need to cover the following necessary expenses each month:
- Housing: $1,600-$2,500 for a typical 1-3 BR rental or mortgage
- Utilities: $150-$300 for electricity, gas, water, trash
- Transportation: $500-$800 for car payment, gas, insurance, maintenance
- Groceries: $300-$600 per adult for a balanced diet
- Healthcare: $300-$600 for insurance premiums and routine care
Here’s an example monthly budget for a single person living comfortably in Broomfield:
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Housing (1BR Apartment) | $1,800 |
| Utilities | $200 |
| Transportation | $600 |
| Groceries | $400 |
| Healthcare | $400 |
| Total | $3,400 |
🏆 Quick Stat: Average rent for a 1BR apartment in Broomfield: $1,750/month
Comfortable Lifestyles by Household Type
The amount of income needed to live comfortably in Broomfield varies significantly by household size and composition. Here’s a breakdown of typical monthly budget needs for different household types:
- Single adult: $3,500-$4,500 gross income to cover essentials plus some dining out, hobbies, and savings.
- Couple without children: $5,000-$6,500 gross income for a 1-2 BR apartment or starter home, two cars, travel, and discretionary spending.
- Family of four: $7,500-$10,000+ gross income for a single-family home, childcare, kids’ activities, and education savings.
| Household Type | Comfortable Monthly Income |
|---|---|
| Single Adult | $3,500 – $4,500 |
| Couple | $5,000 – $6,500 |
| Family of 4 | $7,500 – $10,000+ |
Keep in mind, these ranges represent a middle-class lifestyle in Broomfield. Households can certainly get by on less, but may need to make tradeoffs in terms of housing, vehicle expenses, childcare, or discretionary spending. On the flip side, those with more expensive tastes in housing, cars, schools or leisure should plan for higher income needs.
Hidden or Overlooked Costs
When estimating how much you need to live comfortably in Broomfield, don’t forget to account for some often overlooked costs:
- HOA fees – many neighborhoods have monthly dues of $200-$500+
- Childcare – full-time daycare or preschool can run $1,200-$1,800/month per child
- Commute costs – Broomfield residents spend an average of $150/month on tolls and transit
- Extreme seasonal utilities – summer cooling bills can spike to $250+/month
These hidden costs can easily add hundreds or even thousands to a household’s monthly expenses. Be sure to do your research on neighborhood-specific fees, childcare options, and typical utility costs when planning your Broomfield budget.
Ways to Stretch Your Budget in Broomfield
While Broomfield is not a low-cost city, there are still ways for households to make their money go further:
- Xcel Energy offers discounts for off-peak energy usage and free energy-saving equipment
- The Broomfield Recreation Center has affordable fitness classes and facilities
- Residents can save 30% on tolls with an ExpressToll transponder
- Broomfield has several discount grocery stores like Aldi and Costco
With some smart planning and local savvy, Broomfield residents can often shave 10-20% off their monthly expenses. The city also has assistance programs for lower-income households that can help with housing, utilities, and food costs. But in general, it’s best to plan your budget around the true costs of your needs and wants.
Which Lifestyle Fits You Best?
The income you need to live comfortably in Broomfield ultimately depends on your lifestyle priorities and stage of life:
If you value space and privacy, a $4,500+/month lifestyle may be more realistic. This would allow for a newer 1BR+ apartment or even a small starter home in one of Broomfield’s more desirable neighborhoods. You’d have room in your budget for a solo car, weekends out, and building robust savings.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more urban lifestyle and don’t mind roommates, you may be quite comfortable on $3,000/month. This income would allow for a shared 2BR apartment, used car, and some budget-friendly social activities. Just be prepared for tradeoffs and always have an emergency fund for unexpected costs.
For couples and families, an $8,000+/month household income provides a very comfortable Broomfield lifestyle. This level of earning would support owning a nice single-family home, driving newer vehicles, enrolling kids in paid activities, and taking regular vacations. Of course, child-related costs like daycare, schools, and sports can still add up quickly.
FAQs About Comfort & Cost
What is a comfortable salary in Broomfield?
For a single person, a salary of $50,000 ($4,200/month) would provide a comfortable middle-class lifestyle in Broomfield. Couples generally need a combined income of at least $70,000 ($5,800/month) to live comfortably, while families with children should aim for $100,000+ ($8,300/month) to cover childcare, housing, and education costs.
Can you live well on $3,000/month in Broomfield?
A monthly budget of $3,000 is doable for a single person in Broomfield but would likely require some sacrifices. You may need to live with roommates, drive an older car, cook most meals at home, and limit discretionary spending. Saving for emergencies and long-term goals could also be challenging at this income level.
What costs surprise new Broomfield residents?
New residents are often caught off guard by Broomfield’s high housing costs, especially for larger rentals and single-family homes. Childcare costs can also be shocking, with infant care easily exceeding $1,500/month. Finally, many people underestimate the added costs of commuting to Denver or Boulder, which can include tolls, parking, and transit fees.
Final Thoughts
So, how much do you need to live comfortably in Broomfield? While everyone’s definition of comfort is different, most single adults need to earn at least $3,500/month ($42,000/year) to afford the essentials and have some breathing room. Couples should aim for $5,000/month ($60,000/year) to live a typical middle-class lifestyle, while families with kids need closer to $8,000+/month ($96,000+/year) to cover all the costs of raising children.
Of course, these are just benchmarks – your ideal Broomfield budget ultimately depends on your unique needs, wants, and values. But one thing is clear: in cities like Broomfield, a comfortable lifestyle requires careful planning and often a higher income than the national average. By understanding the true costs of living in this desirable suburb, you can build a realistic budget that balances your short-term needs with your long-term goals.
Want to see how your budget stacks up? Check out our Monthly Budget Examples for Broomfield Residents or explore our comprehensive Cost of Living in Broomfield (2025 Guide).