F
37%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
113%
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 Littleton Colorado National
Cost of living137115100
Groceries103104100
Health care106107100
Housing213136100
Transportation105106100
Utilities107108100
Lifestyle & Entertainment104107100
Household Items105105100
Education & Childcare107111100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Cost of Living in Littleton, CO

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Littleton? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Littleton stands at 137, making it 37% 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 you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, Littleton may not be your ideal choice, as it ranks among the most expensive locations in the entire United States. A very small amount of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Littleton falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs significantly influence the Littleton 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 112.6%. 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 Littleton?

The real experts on a city are its residents. That's why we reached out to 8 locals to get their views on the cost of living in Littleton. We surveyed the residents and asked them if they felt like prices were affordable or out of reach. The results were as follows. 25% found it budget-friendly with decreasing prices, while 75% said it's simply not affordable as prices have continued to rise.

Is Littleton Affordable?

Is Littleton 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 Littleton, for instance, where the median home price falls 143.4% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 40.7% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Littleton flaunting a median household income of $114,118, 40.3% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Littleton?

Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Littleton, the transportation index is 5% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.

Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, including 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 farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Littleton cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Littleton is 19% higher than the Colorado average
  • The cost of living in Littleton is 37% higher than the national average
  • Littleton housing is 113% 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 Littleton

See all the best places to live around Littleton

Compare Littleton, CO Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Littleton?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Littleton?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Littleton poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$156,631$13,053$3,654$4,699
      Renters$74,069$6,172$1,728$2,222
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Littleton, CO, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Littleton homeowners, is $156,631. This would allow for a maximum of $3,654 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $74,069 which would result in a maximum of $1,728 to be spent on rental costs.

      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%
      Franktown, CO2211055.3%
      Lakeside, CO69010.0%
      North Washington, CO676990.9%
      Sheridan, CO6,19511616.0%
      Littleton, CO47,71913737.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Cornwall, ON47,736n/a 
      Bothell, WA47,76216262.3%
      Four Corners, FL47,7681109.6%
      Everett, MA47,66014544.8%
      Hattiesburg, MS47,8238713.5%
      Littleton, CO47,71913737.3%
      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.