Housing Costs in Littleton

A happy young family enters the Littleton Community Recreation Center on a sunny day.
Littleton’s recreation centers offer affordable family fun and fitness for residents of all ages.

Housing is typically the largest expense in a monthly budget. In Littleton, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is around $1,850 per month as of 2025. For those looking to purchase a home, a typical mortgage payment on a 3-bedroom house falls in the range of $2,400 to $3,000 monthly, depending on the neighborhood, age of the home, and whether it is part of a homeowners association (HOA).

Here is a comparison of common housing options and costs in Littleton:

Housing Type Typical Monthly Cost
2BR Apartment $1,850
3BR House (No HOA) $2,400 – $2,700
3BR House (With HOA) $2,700 – $3,000

It’s important to note that around 30% of neighborhoods in Littleton have an HOA, which can add $200-400 to the monthly housing cost but often includes amenities and exterior maintenance. Older homes without an HOA may have lower payments but higher upkeep costs.

Utilities and Energy Bills

Utility costs in Littleton are fairly consistent with other Denver suburbs. Residents can expect to pay around $120 per month for electricity for a 2-bedroom apartment, with costs rising to $150-200 for larger homes. Natural gas, which is commonly used for heating and cooking, averages $80 per month.

Water, sewer, and trash are often bundled into one bill in Littleton. The typical household pays $60-80 per month for these services. It’s worth budgeting an extra $40 per month for the summer season, as water usage tends to increase with lawn care.

Here is a monthly utility cost breakdown for Littleton:

  • Electricity: $120 – $200, depending on home size
  • Natural Gas: $80
  • Water, Sewer, Trash: $60 – $80 ($100 – $120 in summer)
  • Internet: $60 – $80

Groceries and Daily Expenses

Littleton residents spend an average of $300-350 per person each month on groceries and everyday essentials. This cost can be higher for those who primarily shop at natural grocers like Whole Foods or Sprouts, and lower for those who frequent discount stores like King Soopers or Safeway.

A typical grocery basket containing staples like bread, milk, eggs, produce, and chicken or fish costs around $70-80 in Littleton. This is on par with the greater Denver metro area. Dining out can add $200-300 per person to the monthly food budget, assuming a couple of restaurant meals per week.

Everyday purchases like cleaning supplies, toiletries, and household goods add another $150 per month for the average Littleton resident. Buying these items in bulk or watching for sales can provide additional savings.

Taxes and Hidden Fees

Homeowners in Littleton pay an average property tax rate of 0.55%, which equates to $5,500 annually on a $1,000,000 home. Vehicle registration fees in Littleton range from $75-500 per year depending on the age and type of vehicle.

Sales tax in Littleton is 8.0% as of 2025, which includes state, county, and city taxes. This rate applies to most goods and some services.

Here is a side-by-side comparison of key taxes and fees in Littleton:

Tax/Fee Type Rate
Property Tax 0.55%
Vehicle Registration $75 – $500 per year
Sales Tax 8.0%

Other potential fees to consider include HOA dues ($200-400 per month), pet rent ($25-50 per month), parking or garage fees ($50-150 per month), and storage unit rental ($75-200 per month).

Monthly Budget Summary

Expense Category Single Person Couple Family of 4
Housing $1,400 $1,850 $2,700
Utilities $200 $280 $450
Groceries $350 $700 $1,200
Transportation $200 $300 $400
Healthcare $250 $500 $800
Personal & Misc. $250 $400 $500
Monthly Total $2,650 $4,030 $6,050
Annual Gross Income $42,400 $64,500 $96,800

To live comfortably in Littleton, an individual needs an annual gross income (pre-tax) of around $42,000. For a couple, a combined gross income of $64,000 allows for a solid standard of living. To support a family of four, Littleton residents should aim for a household income of $97,000 or more.

Keep in mind these are general estimates based on average costs in Littleton. The amount of money needed to live comfortably can vary significantly depending on lifestyle, neighborhood, and spending habits.

Lifestyle Considerations

Littleton offers a high quality of life for its residents, with abundant parks, highly-rated schools, safe neighborhoods, and a historic downtown area. The city’s location provides convenient access to the mountains for hiking and skiing as well as a reasonable commute to the Denver Tech Center and other employment hubs.

Residents enjoy a balance of newer and older homes, with prices and styles to fit a variety of budgets and tastes. While Littleton is not the most affordable Denver suburb, its amenities, charm, and central location offer value for families, young professionals, and retirees.

Commute times in Littleton average 25-30 minutes, which is slightly better than the national average. The city offers a mix of urban and suburban feels, with most errands requiring a car. Public transit options are limited but include light rail and bus routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: How much do I need to make to live comfortably in Littleton?
    A: To live comfortably, plan for a monthly gross income of at least $3,500 for an individual and $5,300 for a couple. Families generally need $8,000+ per month.
  • Q: Is Littleton less expensive than living in Denver?
    A: Yes, the cost of living in Littleton is about 10% lower than in Denver proper, mainly due to more affordable housing options.
  • Q: Are utilities expensive in Littleton?

    A: Utilities in Littleton are fairly typical of the Denver metro area, with most households paying $200-400 per month for electricity, natural gas, water, and sewer.
  • Q: How much is the average rent in Littleton?
    A: As of 2025, average rent in Littleton is $1,850 for a 2-bedroom apartment and $2,200 for a 3-bedroom house. Prices can be higher for newer buildings and certain neighborhoods.
  • Q: Is Littleton a good place to buy a home?
    A: Littleton can be a great place to purchase a home, with a mix of older and newer houses, a low crime rate, and a convenient location. However, home prices are higher than in some surrounding areas.
  • Q: What salary do you need to buy a house in Littleton?
    A: To afford a median-priced home in Littleton, aim for a household income of at least $100,000 (before taxes). This factors in a down payment of 10-20%.
  • Q: How much are property taxes in Littleton?
    A: The property tax rate in Littleton is around 0.55%, so the annual taxes on a $500,000 home would be approximately $2,750.