A+
9%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
31%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Federal Heights Colorado National
Cost of living91111100
Goods & Services104104100
Groceries96101100
Health care89100100
Housing69134100
Transportation109105100
Utilities8891100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Federal Heights, CO

Understanding the cost of living in Federal Heights can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Federal Heights cost of living index is 91, which is 9% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, goods and services, transportation and health care in Federal Heights are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Federal Heights can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Federal Heights?

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 8 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Federal Heights. The feedback revealed that 25% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 75% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Federal Heights Affordable?

Wondering if Federal Heights is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Federal Heights, for example, the median home price is 61.2% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 39.5% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Federal Heights boasting a median household income of $49,291, which is 10.9% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Federal Heights?

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Federal Heights, the housing index is 31% lower than the national average.

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Federal Heights, the transportation index is 8.5% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data in Federal Heights displayed above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, which serves as a practical tool for comparing living expenses across urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, this index aggregates data from over 300 independent researchers, encompassing more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. The weightings assigned to cost differences rely on government survey data that tracks the spending habits of professional and executive households. It's worth noting that the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, while AreaVibes integrates tax rates into the overall cost of living evaluation for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Federal Heights is 19% lower than the Colorado average
  • The cost of living in Federal Heights is 9% lower than the national average
  • Federal Heights housing is 31% lower than the national average
  • Colorado general sales tax is 43% lower than the national average
  • Colorado state income tax is 95% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Federal Heights

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Compare Federal Heights, CO Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$53,586$4,466$1,250$1,608
      Renters$42,188$3,516$984$1,266
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Federal Heights is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Federal Heights has a median income of about $53,586 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $1,250 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $42,188. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $984 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      Colorado Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Colorado 2.9% 10%

      Colorado Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Colorado 4.4% 4.4%

      Goods & Services

      Item Federal Heights National avg. Difference
      Haircut $25.33$24.264.4%
      Beauty Salon $45.45$45.560.3%
      Toothpaste $4.12$3.7011.4%
      Shampoo $1.19$1.286.8%
      Movie $11.09$12.138.6%
      Bowling $22.22$18.0023.5%

      Groceries

      Item Federal Heights National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.56$5.844.8%
      Fried Chicken $1.43$1.578.9%
      Milk $4.89$4.674.7%
      Potatoes $4.62$4.936.4%
      Pizza $11.06$12.098.5%
      Beer $11.34$10.418.9%

      Health Care

      Item Federal Heights National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $110.45$125.6812.1%
      Doctor $188.89$135.7839.1%
      Dentist $107.78$113.294.9%
      Ibuprofen $10.80$10.651.4%
      Lipitor $477.35$468.601.9%

      Housing

      Item Federal Heights National avg. Difference
      Home Price $71,700.00$184,700.0061.2%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,542.08$2,346.698.3%
      Apartment Rent $1,324.00$949.0039.5%

      Transportation

      Item Federal Heights National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.58$3.463.4%
      Tire Balancing $73.58$59.9222.8%

      Utilities

      Item Federal Heights National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $161.00$193.9917.0%
      Phone $195.56$192.251.7%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Glendale CDP, CO781022.3%
      Leyner, CO01000.1%
      Eldorado Springs, CO3251000.1%
      Lakeside, CO68514.8%
      North Washington, CO663954.5%
      Federal Heights, CO13,537919.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Ridge, NY13,53712726.5%
      Bay St. Louis, MS13,539991.1%
      St. James, NY13,53314948.9%
      Sault Ste. Marie, MI13,5268613.7%
      Huntington, VA13,52614241.8%
      Federal Heights, CO13,537919.4%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.