Cost of Living in Golden, CO - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,152 (excluding rent), and $2,622 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,406 (excluding rent), and $5,063 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$20.31 $20.31

$16.25 $16.25

$45.71 $45.71

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$73.8 $73.8

$148 $148

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.09 $10.09

$14.13 $14.13

Cappuccino

$6.16 $6.16

$3.08 $3.08

$9.25 $9.25

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.46 $2.46

$1.97 $1.97

$4.92 $4.92

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.43 $2.43

$2.04 $2.04

$3.57 $3.57

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$6.43 $6.43

$5.15 $5.15

$12.35 $12.35

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.85 $4.85

$11.65 $11.65

Milk (1 liter)

$1 $1

$0.81 $0.81

$2.08 $2.08

White Bread (500g)

$3.66 $3.66

$2.8 $2.8

$5.59 $5.59

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.34 $4.34

$1.99 $1.99

$6.47 $6.47

Eggs

$5.58 $5.58

$3.01 $3.01

$8.02 $8.02

Local Cheese (1kg)

$15.29 $15.29

$9.21 $9.21

$26.21 $26.21

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$15.01 $15.01

$6.64 $6.64

$22.15 $22.15

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$18.62 $18.62

$13.19 $13.19

$19.79 $19.79

Apples (1kg)

$4.52 $4.52

$3.42 $3.42

$4.92 $4.92

Banana (1kg)

$1.55 $1.55

$1.08 $1.08

$4.34 $4.34

Oranges (1kg)

$3.78 $3.78

$2.53 $2.53

$13.4 $13.4

Tomato (1kg)

$4.83 $4.83

$2.88 $2.88

$6.71 $6.71

Potato (1kg)

$2.66 $2.66

$1.24 $1.24

$4.43 $4.43

Onion (1kg)

$2.68 $2.68

$1.96 $1.96

$4.45 $4.45

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.27 $2.27

$1.95 $1.95

$2.96 $2.96

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.3 $2.3

$1.53 $1.53

$3.92 $3.92

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$10.04 $10.04

$7.53 $7.53

$10.79 $10.79

Wine (Bottle)

$19.89 $19.89

$9.92 $9.92

$29.83 $29.83

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.27 $2.27

$1.72 $1.72

$4.24 $4.24

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.72 $3.72

$1.82 $1.82

$6.89 $6.89

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.02 $2.02

$1.26 $1.26

$2.02 $2.02

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.44 $2.44

$4.87 $4.87

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.41 $1.41

$2.19 $2.19

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$24.63 $24.63

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.86 $0.86

$0.73 $0.73

$0.98 $0.98

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$26.5K $26.5K

$23K $23K

$32.4K $32.4K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.4K $25.4K

$24.7K $24.7K

$26.1K $26.1K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$192 $192

$134 $134

$299 $299

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$72.4 $72.4

$42.63 $42.63

$119 $119

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$70 $70

$129 $129

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$43.03 $43.03

$17.51 $17.51

$50 $50

Cinema Ticket

$14.87 $14.87

$11.89 $11.89

$17.84 $17.84

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,480 $1,480

$793 $793

$1,652 $1,652

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$24.2K $24.2K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$58.7 $58.7

$45.49 $45.49

$80.4 $80.4

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$25.27 $25.27

$50.5 $50.5

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$89.9 $89.9

$60 $60

$120 $120

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$102 $102

$90.9 $90.9

$126 $126

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,572 $1,572

$1,178 $1,178

$1,823 $1,823

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,346 $1,346

$995 $995

$1,492 $1,492

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,607 $2,607

$1,983 $1,983

$2,974 $2,974

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,256 $2,256

$1,726 $1,726

$2,538 $2,538

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,594 $2,594

$1,903 $1,903

$2,594 $2,594

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,544 $2,544

$2,078 $2,078

$2,544 $2,544

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.6

6.19

7.25

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: December 1, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Golden, CO - Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding the Cost of Living in Golden, CO, United States helps you compare housing, groceries, utilities, and transport options across neighborhoods. Golden offers a mix of walkable downtown streets and suburban pockets, with housing options from compact apartments to single-family homes that often feel more affordable than Denver proper. Groceries are practical, dining ranges from casual spots to brewpubs, and outdoor recreation is free or low-cost. Commutes to Denver are straightforward by car or regional transit, and local amenities keep day-to-day life convenient. Tip: Start by visiting a few neighborhoods at different times of day to gauge vibes and access.

Daily life in Golden blends a small-town feel with easy access to outdoor recreation and Denver’s resources. To find housing, explore downtown Golden for walkability or nearby neighborhoods like North Golden for more space; rental options vary from older cottages to modern apartments. The food scene includes farmers markets, casual eateries, and local brewers, while groceries range from specialty shops to larger retailers. Transit options include bike-friendly streets, several RTD routes, and park-and-ride options; coworking spaces support remote work. Keep in mind Golden, CO, United States living cost as you estimate rent and utilities across areas. Tip: Use a short-term stay to test neighborhoods before committing.

Golden offers a balanced climate and year-round access to trails and mountains, so seasonality shapes your budget as much as your lifestyle. Use a simple budgeting framework like 50/30/20 to allocate housing, essentials, and discretionary spending, with a small cushion for gear and activities. Neighborhood fit matters: downtown Golden lends walkability and nightlife, while hillside pockets offer larger homes and calmer evenings. Practical savings come from shopping at farmers markets, cooking at home, and choosing seasonal entertainment; bike or bus travel lowers transport costs. If you’re juggling work and exploration, plan longer stays during shoulder seasons to stretch your budget and vibe. Tip: Map a short-list of 2–3 neighborhoods that match your pace and amenities.