Housing Costs in Commerce City
Housing is often the biggest expense when it comes to the cost of living in Commerce City. In 2025, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Commerce City is around $1,850 per month. For those looking to purchase a home, a typical mortgage payment for a 3-bedroom house falls in the range of $2,100 to $2,600 monthly, depending on the neighborhood and home condition.
Many newer housing developments in Commerce City have Homeowners Associations (HOAs). While not mandatory, choosing a home with an HOA will add to your monthly costs. Typical HOA fees range from $200 to $400 per month. These fees generally cover exterior maintenance, community amenities, and sometimes utilities like water and trash pickup.
For comparison, here is a table of median housing costs in Commerce City:
| Housing Type | Median Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent | $1,850 |
| 3-Bedroom House Mortgage | $2,100 – $2,600 |
| HOA Fees (Optional) | $200 – $400 |
Utilities and Energy Bills
Utility costs in Commerce City are relatively affordable compared to the Denver metro area. For an average 2-bedroom apartment, residents can expect to pay around $120 per month for electricity, $40 for natural gas, $50 for water, and $30 for trash pickup. High-speed internet averages $60-80 monthly.
It’s important to note that utility costs can vary significantly based on home size, energy efficiency, and personal usage. Electricity bills tend to spike in the summer months due to air conditioning needs. Larger homes will also have higher utility costs across the board.
Here is a monthly utility cost estimate for a typical household in Commerce City:
- Electricity: $120
- Natural Gas: $40
- Water: $50
- Trash: $30
- Internet: $70
- Total: $310/month
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs in Commerce City are on par with the national average. A single person can expect to spend around $300-400 per month on groceries, while a family of four will likely spend closer to $900-1,100. This assumes a mix of dining out and cooking at home.
In addition to groceries, it’s important to budget for household items like toiletries, cleaning supplies, and paper goods. A reasonable estimate is an additional $50-100 per person monthly for these daily essentials.
To give an idea, here is a typical monthly grocery basket for a couple in Commerce City:
- Milk (1 gal): $3.50
- Bread (1 loaf): $2.75
- Eggs (1 dozen): $2.50
- Chicken Breasts (1 lb): $4.00
- Apples (1 lb): $2.00
- Potatoes (5 lb bag): $3.00
- Household items: $80
- Monthly Total: $700
Taxes and Hidden Fees
Commerce City has a sales tax rate of 8.5%, which includes state, county and city taxes. Property tax rates in Commerce City are around 0.6% of the assessed home value annually. For a $400,000 home, this equates to roughly $2,400 per year or $200 per month.
Vehicle ownership comes with additional costs like registration fees, emissions testing, and car insurance. Registration fees in Colorado are based on the vehicle’s age and taxable value. New residents must register their vehicles within 90 days of moving. Expect to budget at least $100-200 annually per vehicle for these costs.
Here is a side-by-side look at some common taxes and fees in Commerce City:
| Tax/Fee Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Sales Tax | 8.5% |
| Property Tax | 0.6% annually |
| Vehicle Registration | $100-200 annually |
Summary Monthly Budget
To summarize, here is a table showing estimated monthly costs for different household types living in Commerce City:
| Expense | Single | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (Rent/Mortgage) | $1,400 | $1,850 | $2,300 |
| Utilities | $200 | $310 | $450 |
| Groceries & Essentials | $400 | $700 | $1,000 |
| Transportation | $200 | $300 | $500 |
| Healthcare | $300 | $600 | $1,200 |
| Entertainment | $200 | $300 | $400 |
| Total Monthly Expenses | $2,700 | $4,060 | $5,850 |
| Comfortable Gross Monthly Income | $3,600 | $5,400 | $7,800 |
Note that these figures are broad estimates and actual costs can vary considerably based on lifestyle and individual circumstances. However, they offer a general guideline for the pre-tax monthly income needed to live comfortably in Commerce City.
Lifestyle Considerations
When evaluating the cost of living in Commerce City, it’s important to consider lifestyle factors as well. Commerce City offers a suburban lifestyle with relatively easy access to downtown Denver. Commute times to major employment centers average 30-40 minutes.
Homes in Commerce City tend to be newer and more spacious compared to Denver proper. Many neighborhoods feature ample parks, trails, and open space. However, the tradeoff is fewer walkable amenities like restaurants and shops. Most errands require driving.
In general, living in Commerce City is more affordable than Denver, but still pricier than further-flung suburbs. Residents can access big city amenities while enjoying a quieter pace of life. For families, Commerce City offers good schools and a safe, friendly community feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How much do I need to earn to live comfortably in Commerce City?
A: A comfortable lifestyle in Commerce City requires a gross monthly income of at least $3,600 for a single person, $5,400 for a couple, or $7,800 for a family of four. However, actual budgets may vary. - Q: Is Commerce City less expensive than living in Denver?
A: Yes, the cost of living in Commerce City is generally 10-20% lower than in Denver proper. Housing costs are the most significant factor, with options tending to be newer and more affordable in Commerce City. - Q: What is the average rent in Commerce City?
A: As of 2025, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Commerce City is around $1,850 per month. Larger homes and those in newer developments may have higher rental rates. - Q: Are utilities expensive in Commerce City?
A: Utility costs in Commerce City are quite affordable relative to the Denver metro. The average household spends around $310 per month on electricity, gas, water, trash, and internet combined. - Q: How much should I budget for groceries in Commerce City?
A: Grocery costs in Commerce City align with the national average. Plan to spend around $300-400 per person monthly on food and daily essentials, assuming a mix of dining out and cooking at home. - Q: What are the property taxes like in Commerce City?
A: The property tax rate in Commerce City is around 0.6% of the assessed home value annually. For a $400,000 house, this comes to roughly $2,400 per year or $200 per month. - Q: Is Commerce City a good place for families?
A: Yes, Commerce City is a family-friendly suburb with good schools, safe neighborhoods, and ample parks and recreation. However, it’s more car-dependent than urban areas, a factor to consider for daily life. - Q: What salary do I need to buy a house in Commerce City?
A: To afford a median-priced home in Commerce City, which was $450,000 in 2025, you’ll need a household income of at least $90,000-100,000, assuming a 10% down payment. This factors in mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, and other housing costs.