Cost of Living in Arapahoe County, Colorado
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Arapahoe County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Arapahoe County ranks #2,273 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 28%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Arapahoe County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Arapahoe County is affordable. The median rent is $1,812/month against a median household income of $97,215, putting rent at 22.4% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Arapahoe County pay $1,812/month on average, compared to $1,934/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 6%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $72,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $82,886/year. With a median household income of $97,215, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Arapahoe County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Teller County where rent averages $1,746/month, Arapahoe County is approximately 4% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Arapahoe County
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
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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