F
42%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
124%
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 Parker Colorado National
Cost of living142115100
Groceries103104100
Health care109107100
Housing224136100
Transportation108106100
Utilities107108100
Lifestyle & Entertainment104107100
Household Items102105100
Education & Childcare114111100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Parker, CO

Understanding the cost of living in Parker 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 Parker cost of living index is 142, which is 42% higher 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.

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 Parker 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, Parker falls into this category, which may not align with your goal of finding a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs significantly influence the Parker 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%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

Is Parker Affordable?

Is Parker 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 Parker, for instance, where the median home price falls 145.6% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 73.5% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Parker flaunting a median household income of $168,231, 106.8% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Parker?

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 Parker starts at 2.9% and the income tax rates start at 4.4%.

Housing: When everyone's vying for homes in popular areas, it drives up property prices and rents, making the overall cost of living surge. On the flip side, in less sought-after locales, where housing demand is low, prices tend to dip, resulting in a more economical cost of living. In Parker, the housing index comes in at 124% higher than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Parker, the groceries index registers 3.2% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Parker shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Parker is 23% higher than the Colorado average
  • The cost of living in Parker is 42% higher than the national average
  • Parker housing is 124% 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 Parker

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Compare Parker, 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$197,592$16,466$4,610$5,928
      Renters$98,116$8,176$2,289$2,944
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Parker, CO, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Parker, homeowners have a median income of $197,592. Using that number, a maximum of $4,610 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $98,116, which means there is a maximum of $2,289 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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%
      Sheridan, CO6,19511616.0%
      Glendale, CO5,32511919.3%
      Louviers, CO38912019.6%
      Parker, CO57,52014241.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Euless, TX57,5251044.2%
      Kendale Lakes, FL57,54412020.2%
      Commerce City, CO57,42812625.9%
      New Brunswick, NJ57,40012423.7%
      Fountain Valley, CA57,66618989.2%
      Parker, CO57,52014241.7%
      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.