Cost of Living in Golden
Mountain town that's still in the metro
Housing
Housing Market
- Median Home Price
- ~$850K
- Data Year
- 2026
Taxes
Tax Rates
- Property Tax Rate
- ~90.8 mills total (city 18.34 mills + county + school + special districts)
- Sales Tax Rate
- 8.0% combined (city 3.5% + county 0.5% + state 2.9% + special 1.1%)
- Vehicle Registration
- Standard Colorado
- State Income Tax Impact
- 4.4% flat
- Cost of Living vs National
- 25% above national average — housing is the primary driver
Utilities
Monthly Costs
- Water Provider
- City of Golden Water Utilities
- Electric & Gas
- Xcel Energy
- Internet Providers
- Comcast/Xfinity, CenturyLink/Lumen
- Trash & Recycling
- City of Golden services
Income
Income & Cost Context
- Cost of Living Index
- 25% above national average (Salary.com 2026). Housing is the primary driver.
- Avg Childcare Cost
- $1,800 avg full-time (Winnie 2025)
Common Questions
FAQ — Golden
What is the median home price in Golden?
As of 2026, the median home price in Golden is approximately $850K. The cost of living is 25% above the national average (Salary.com 2026), with housing as the primary driver. Golden’s walkable downtown, proximity to the Colorado School of Mines, and mountain access contribute to the premium.
What is the cost of living in Golden?
Golden’s cost of living is 25% above the national average, with housing as the primary driver. The total property tax rate is approximately 90.8 mills (city 18.34 mills plus county, school, and special districts). The combined sales tax rate is 8.0% (city 3.5% + county 0.5% + state 2.9% + special 1.1%). Colorado’s flat state income tax rate is 4.4%.