A+
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
31%
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 Federal Heights Colorado National
Cost of living95115100
Groceries102104100
Health care105107100
Housing69136100
Transportation107106100
Utilities111108100
Lifestyle & Entertainment107107100
Household Items103105100
Education & Childcare112111100
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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 95, which is 5% 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.

The cost of living in Federal Heights closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Federal Heights can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Federal Heights Affordable?

Is Federal Heights an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Federal Heights is 61% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 38.3% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Federal Heights has a median household income of $73,880, which is 9.2% 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.

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday household expenses like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Federal Heights starts at 2.9% and the income tax rates start at 4.4%.

Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Federal Heights, the transportation index is 6.5% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Federal Heights 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 Federal Heights is 18% lower than the Colorado average
  • The cost of living in Federal Heights is 5% 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 69% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Federal Heights

See all the best places to live around Federal Heights

Compare Federal Heights, 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$80,680$6,723$1,882$2,421
      Renters$63,135$5,261$1,473$1,894
      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 $80,680 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $1,882 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $63,135. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,473 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%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Glendale CDP, CO801099.1%
      Leyner, CO01098.9%
      Eldorado Springs, CO3321098.9%
      Lakeside, CO69010.0%
      North Washington, CO676990.9%
      Federal Heights, CO14,024955.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Teays Valley, WV14,0241033.2%
      Elizabethton, TN14,0218811.8%
      Blytheville, AR14,0198218.4%
      Andover, KS14,0321066.2%
      Grand Falls-Windsor, NL14,032n/a 
      Federal Heights, CO14,024955.1%
      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.