Housing Costs in Highlands Ranch
Housing is the biggest expense for most Highlands Ranch residents. In 2025, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Highlands Ranch is around $1,950 per month. For a typical 3-bedroom single-family home, expect to pay between $2,400 to $3,200 per month in rent or mortgage.
Many Highlands Ranch neighborhoods have homeowners associations (HOAs). While not mandatory, HOA fees can add $200 to $400+ to your monthly housing costs if you opt into an HOA community. However, this often includes amenities like community pools, parks, snow removal, and exterior maintenance.
For comparison, here are some typical Highlands Ranch housing costs at a glance:
- 2BR Apartment: $1,800 – $2,100/month
- 3BR House: $2,400 – $3,200/month
- HOA Fees: $200 – $400+/month (if applicable)
Utilities and Energy Bills
Utility costs in Highlands Ranch are fairly consistent with the Denver metro average. For a 1,000 sq ft apartment, budget around $150/month for electricity and $60/month for natural gas. Water, sewer, and trash are often included in apartment rents but can add $80-$120/month if billed separately.
For a larger single-family home around 2,000 sq ft, utility costs increase to approximately $200/month for electricity and $90/month for gas. Water, sewer, and trash for a house typically run $110-$150/month.
Keep in mind Colorado’s seasons when budgeting for utilities. Electricity bills tend to spike in the summer months due to air conditioning needs, while gas bills rise in the winter for heating. Here’s a monthly utilities estimate:
| Utility | 1,000 sq ft Apartment | 2,000 sq ft House |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $150 | $200 |
| Natural Gas | $60 | $90 |
| Water/Sewer/Trash | $80 – $120 | $110 – $150 |
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries in Highlands Ranch cost about 5% more than the national average. For a single person, budget around $350-$450/month for groceries. A couple should plan for $650-$850/month, and a family of four will likely spend $1,000-$1,200/month.
Dining out will add to your food budget. A meal at a casual restaurant in Highlands Ranch averages $14-$18 per person, while a nicer dinner for two can easily top $80-$100 after tax and tip.
For a typical Highlands Ranch resident, here’s an example of monthly grocery and dining out costs:
- Single person: $400 groceries + $200 dining out = $600/month
- Couple: $750 groceries + $400 dining out = $1,150/month
- Family of four: $1,100 groceries + $600 dining out = $1,700/month
Taxes and Fees
Highlands Ranch has a sales tax rate of 4.75%, which includes state, county, and special district taxes. The property tax rate in Douglas County, where Highlands Ranch is located, is 0.0796% of a home’s assessed value.
For a $500,000 home, annual property taxes would be approximately $3,980. Vehicles registered in Highlands Ranch are subject to an ownership tax, which varies based on the vehicle’s taxable value.
Here’s a side-by-side look at some common Highlands Ranch taxes and fees:
| Tax/Fee Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Sales Tax | 4.75% |
| Property Tax | 0.0796% of assessed value |
| Vehicle Ownership Tax | Varies by vehicle value |
Monthly Budget Summary
To summarize, here’s a table showing estimated monthly expenses for different household sizes in Highlands Ranch:
| Expense | Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (Rent/Mortgage) | $1,400 | $2,000 | $2,800 |
| Utilities | $250 | $300 | $450 |
| Groceries & Dining Out | $600 | $1,150 | $1,700 |
| Transportation & Vehicle Costs | $500 | $800 | $1,200 |
| Other (Entertainment, Shopping, Fitness, etc.) | $500 | $800 | $1,000 |
| Monthly Total (Gross) | $3,250 | $5,050 | $7,150 |
Keep in mind these figures are gross monthly amounts and do not account for income taxes. Depending on your tax bracket, you may need to earn 20-30% more than these totals to take home the necessary net pay.
Lifestyle Considerations
Highlands Ranch offers a suburban lifestyle with relatively easy access to Denver. Commute times to downtown Denver or the Denver Tech Center average 30-40 minutes.
Homes in Highlands Ranch tend to be newer, with most built between 1990-2010. This means they are generally more energy-efficient and require less maintenance than older homes in the metro area. However, this comes at a premium, with Highlands Ranch homes costing 15-20% more per square foot than the Denver average.
Highlands Ranch is known for its expansive parks, trails, and open spaces. The community has over 70 miles of paved and natural trails, 2,000 acres of open space, and 25 parks. While this provides ample recreation opportunities, it also means lot sizes tend to be smaller than in rural suburbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What salary do you need to live comfortably in Highlands Ranch?
To live comfortably, a single person should aim to earn at least $3,900/month ($46,800/year) before taxes. For a couple, a combined gross income of $6,000/month ($72,000/year) is a good baseline. Add around $2,000/month in gross income for each additional child.
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Is Highlands Ranch more expensive than Denver?
Yes, Highlands Ranch is about 10-15% more expensive than Denver proper. The biggest difference is in housing costs, with Highlands Ranch homes and apartments costing 15-20% more on average.
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Are property taxes high in Highlands Ranch?
Property taxes in Highlands Ranch are relatively low compared to other parts of the country. The average effective property tax rate in Douglas County is 0.56%, compared to the national average of 1.07%.
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How much do utilities cost per month in Highlands Ranch?
Expect to pay around $250/month for utilities in a 1-bedroom apartment and $400-$500/month for a single-family home. This includes electricity, natural gas, water, sewer, and trash.
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What is the sales tax rate in Highlands Ranch?
The sales tax rate in Highlands Ranch is 4.75%. This includes state, county, and special district taxes. Food and prescription drugs are exempt from sales tax.