Cost of Living in Arapahoe County, Colorado

$1,812/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$526,000

Median Home Value

45% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,812/mo

45% above state average

Median Home Value

$526,000

87% above national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

32.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Arapahoe County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Arapahoe County$1,812/mo

Colorado Average$1,253/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,812/mo

Median Gross Rent

$526,000

Median Home Value

$1,934/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

32.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Arapahoe County, Colorado

Denver's affluent eastern suburb

Arapahoe County households earn $97,215 on average—30% above the national median—yet spend 22.4% of income on rent, slightly above the national comfort zone. The trade-off: renters here pay $1,812/month, the second-highest among these eight counties, reflecting the Denver metro's premium.

Most expensive in Colorado analysis

Arapahoe County's median home value of $526,000 ranks it second only to Boulder County among the analyzed counties, with rents of $1,812 running 45% above Colorado's state average. Its 22.4% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the state average of 20.2%, placing it firmly in the upper tier of affordability challenges.

Premium for metro proximity

Arapahoe County rents are $559 higher than Alamosa's $904 and $259 more than Adams County's $1,713, reflecting its position in the booming Denver metro. Home values here average $526,000 versus $218,800 in Alamosa—a 141% premium that tells the story of urban versus rural Colorado.

Housing takes 22.4% of earnings

An Arapahoe County renter earning the median $97,215 annually dedicates $1,812/month to rent, while homeowners with a $1,934 monthly mortgage spend proportionally more. Together these costs mean a significant portion of household income flows to housing, even at above-average income levels.

Denver metro requires higher salary

Considering Arapahoe County? You'll need the $97,215 median income to afford the $1,812 median rent comfortably—or a housing subsidy. Compare your relocation salary carefully; this county rewards well-compensated professionals more than entry-level workers.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Arapahoe County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

22.4%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$2,268

per month

Owner Cost Burden

23.9%

of gross income

The median home in Arapahoe County may be a stretch

Median home value is $526,000. Estimated monthly cost: $4,199 vs. your max of $2,268.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio22.4%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Arapahoe County, Colorado?

Arapahoe County, Colorado has a median monthly rent of $1,812/mo and a median home value of $526,000. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 32.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Arapahoe County?

The median gross rent in Arapahoe County is $1,812/mo. This is 45% above state average for Colorado.

Is Arapahoe County affordable?

Arapahoe County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 32.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Arapahoe County's rent compare to the state average?

Arapahoe County's median rent of $1,812/mo is 45% above state average of $1,253/mo for Colorado.

What is the median home value in Arapahoe County?

The median home value in Arapahoe County, Colorado is $526,000. This is 87% above the national median home value of $281,900.