Is Highlands Expensive?

Denver, United States

+12% vs Denver avg

Living in Highlands, Denver

Highlands is one of the pricier neighborhoods in Denver, with a cost of living index of 73.6 — that is +12% compared to the Denver average. It ranks #5 out of 24 areas by cost. Estimated rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is around $2,128/month, compared to a range of $1,330 in Federal Heights to $2,432 in Cherry Creek.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

For a typical resident of Highlands, housing takes up roughly 50% of monthly expenses. Food and groceries account for about 15%, while transportation costs around 8%. To live comfortably here — meaning rent stays at or below 30% of gross income — you would need an annual salary of approximately $85,120 before tax.

Typical Salaries in Highlands

Salaries in Highlands reflect the local cost of living. Based on the neighborhood COLI of 73.6:

After tax and deductions of 25.1% in United States, take-home pay for someone earning $85,120 would be roughly $63,755/year. Use the salary converter to calculate an exact figure for your situation, including expat-specific tax adjustments.

Key Stats

73.6
COLI Index
1.12x
vs City Avg
$2,128
Est. 1BR Rent
#5
of 24 Areas
25.1%
Total Deductions

Tax & Deductions in Highlands

Estimated annual deductions on a $55,200 salary in Highlands, Denver (local employee).

Income Tax
13%
Social Security + Medicare (FICA)
7.6%
State Income Tax (CO)
4.4%
Total Deductions: 25.1%
Est. Take-Home: $41,351/yr

Rates shown are for a local employee. Use the salary converter for expat calculations.

Salary Equivalents

What a $75,000 USD salary in Highlands would need to be elsewhere:

City Currency Equivalent
New York USD $55,200
London GBP £47,504
Dubai AED AED 276,209

Other Neighborhoods in Denver

Neighborhood COLI Multiplier vs Avg
Cherry Creek 84.1 1.28x +28%
LoDo (Lower Downtown) 80.2 1.22x +22%
RiNo (River North) 75.6 1.15x +15%
Hilltop 75.6 1.15x +15%
Capitol Hill 72.3 1.10x +10%

View all 24 neighborhoods in Denver →

Convert Your Salary

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Similar Neighborhoods Worldwide

Neighborhoods with a similar cost of living to Highlands:

North Point, Hong Kong Arcadia, Phoenix St Kilda, Melbourne Prahran, Melbourne Hawthorn, Melbourne Lowry Hill, Minneapolis

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Highlands expensive in Denver?

Yes, Highlands is one of the more expensive neighborhoods in Denver. It costs about +12% more than the city average, ranking #5 out of 24 neighborhoods.

How does Highlands compare to the Denver average?

The cost of living in Highlands is above the Denver average. With a multiplier of 1.12x, everyday expenses including rent, food, and transportation are +12% compared to the city baseline.

Data Sources: Cost of living indices based on crowd-sourced price data and official statistics. Tax calculations follow 2026 rates. Sources include U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · U.S. Census Bureau · OECD Better Life Index. Figures are estimates and may vary based on individual circumstances.