F
41%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
125%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Castle Rock Colorado National
Cost of living141115100
Groceries102104100
Health care105107100
Housing225136100
Transportation109106100
Utilities106108100
Lifestyle & Entertainment102107100
Household Items103105100
Education & Childcare113111100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Castle Rock, CO

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Castle Rock? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Castle Rock stands at 141, making it 41% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

If affordability is among your top priorities when searching for a new place to live, this area may not be the ideal fit, as the cost of living in Castle Rock is among the most expensive in the United States. Just a minority of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Castle Rock falls into this category, which may not align with your goal of finding a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs significantly influence the Castle Rock cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 124.7%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Castle Rock?

Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 20 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Castle Rock and this is how they responded. 20% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 80% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.

Is Castle Rock Affordable?

Is Castle Rock affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Castle Rock, for instance, where the median home price falls 147.9% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 70.6% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Castle Rock flaunting a median household income of $167,871, 106.4% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Castle Rock?

Urbanization: Larger, urban centers, known for their wealth of amenities and strong employment prospects, often exhibit an elevated cost of living, primarily attributable to the heightened demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this scenario leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural areas or regions characterized by diminished demand typically provide a more limited array of amenities and experience slower job market growth, resulting in a more affordable cost of living.

Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Castle Rock, the housing index stands at 124.7% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as 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 farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Castle Rock are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Castle Rock is 23% higher than the Colorado average
  • The cost of living in Castle Rock is 41% higher than the national average
  • Castle Rock housing is 125% higher than the national average
  • Colorado general sales tax is 43% lower than the national average
  • Colorado state income tax is 69% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Castle Rock

See all the best places to live around Castle Rock

Compare Castle Rock, CO Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$189,532$15,794$4,422$5,687
      Renters$89,718$7,477$2,093$2,692
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Castle Rock, CO, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Castle Rock have a median income of $189,532. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $4,422 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $89,718, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $2,093.

      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%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Franktown, CO2211055.3%
      Larkspur, CO249982.0%
      Louviers, CO38912019.6%
      Elizabeth, CO1,80812121.4%
      Rock Creek Park, CO8312423.9%
      Castle Rock, CO66,95314141.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Bayonne, NJ66,96313029.8%
      Santa Cruz, CA67,016205104.6%
      Noblesville, IN66,8021044.3%
      Schenectady, NY66,726990.7%
      Harlingen, TX66,7228613.9%
      Castle Rock, CO66,95314141.1%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.