Comparing Northglenn and Broomfield: Which Is Cheaper?

Northglenn, CO vs. Broomfield, CO: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)

Which Colorado city gives you more for your money – Northglenn or Broomfield? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison to help families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real costs of living in these two cities in 2025. All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax).

Housing Costs

Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage costs compare in Northglenn and Broomfield:

🏆 Winner: Northglenn. Housing costs are about 20% lower in Northglenn compared to Broomfield. A household moving from Broomfield to Northglenn might save $400/month on housing alone.

Utilities and Energy Costs

Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities, with slight differences based on home size and seasonal usage:

• In Northglenn, expect to pay around $180/month for electricity, gas, water, and trash for a 2BR apartment.
• In Broomfield, similar utility costs average $200/month, about 10% higher due to slightly larger home sizes.
• Both cities see 20-30% higher heating bills in the winter months.

🏆 Winner: Northglenn, but only by a small margin. Utility costs are comparable in both cities.

Groceries and Daily Expenses

Grocery costs and everyday expenses like gas and dining out are very similar in Northglenn and Broomfield. Expect to budget around $400/month per person for groceries and household items in either city.

Eating out is slightly cheaper in Northglenn, with dinner for two averaging $50 compared to $60 in Broomfield. But overall, day-to-day costs are nearly identical.

🏆 Winner: Tie. Grocery and daily living costs are comparable between Northglenn and Broomfield.

Taxes and Fees

Both Northglenn and Broomfield have similar property tax rates around 0.6% of assessed home value. So for a $500K home, expect to pay about $3,000/year in property taxes in either city.

One difference: In Northglenn, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash, which can save $50-100/month compared to paying separately in Broomfield.

🏆 Winner: Northglenn, but only if your neighborhood has an HOA that covers typical services.

Cost of Living in Northglenn vs Broomfield

To summarize, here’s a side-by-side comparison of major monthly expenses in Northglenn and Broomfield:

Lifestyle Fit

While Northglenn is more affordable overall, Broomfield offers a few lifestyle advantages:

• Broomfield has more public transportation options, making it easier to commute and get around without a car.
• Broomfield is slightly more walkable, with a Walk Score of 36 compared to Northglenn’s 32.
• However, Northglenn offers more affordable housing options and tends to have slightly larger lots and homes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Northglenn more affordable than Broomfield?
Yes, Northglenn has a lower overall cost of living, primarily due to cheaper housing costs. Expect to spend about 15% less living in Northglenn.

Which city has lower rent?
Northglenn has lower rent, with a typical 2BR apartment costing $1,800/month compared to $2,200/month in Broomfield.

Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Northglenn has lower home prices and slightly lower property taxes and HOA fees. Buying a home is about 20% cheaper in Northglenn vs Broomfield.

Conclusion

While both cities offer a high quality of life, Northglenn comes out ahead in terms of affordability. Families looking to stretch their budget further will get more for their money in Northglenn, while those prioritizing walkability and public transit access may prefer Broomfield despite the higher cost of living.

Of course, housing costs and income needs can vary significantly from household to household. To better understand your budget in either city, check out our guides on monthly expenses in Northglenn and the true cost of living in Northglenn in 2025.