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

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $2,706 per month with rent, or $1,095 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $3,898 per month with rent, or $1,746 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $5,090 per month with rent, or $2,397 without housing.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$20.09 $20.09
$16.07 $16.07
$45.19 $45.19
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$75.2 $75.2
$75.2 $75.2
$150 $150
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$10.19 $10.19
$10.19 $10.19
$14.26 $14.26
Cappuccino
$6.04 $6.04
$3.02 $3.02
$9.06 $9.06
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.55 $2.55
$2.04 $2.04
$5.10 $5.10
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.35 $2.35
$1.97 $1.97
$3.45 $3.45
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$6.23 $6.23
$4.99 $4.99
$11.97 $11.97
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.92 $4.92
$4.92 $4.92
$11.82 $11.82
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.99 $0.99
$0.80 $0.80
$2.07 $2.07
White Bread (500g)
$3.51 $3.51
$2.69 $2.69
$5.36 $5.36
Rice (white) (1kg)
$4.52 $4.52
$2.07 $2.07
$6.74 $6.74
Eggs
$5.62 $5.62
$3.03 $3.03
$8.08 $8.08
Local Cheese (1kg)
$15.40 $15.40
$9.28 $9.28
$26.40 $26.40
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$14.97 $14.97
$6.62 $6.62
$22.08 $22.08
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$18.92 $18.92
$13.40 $13.40
$20.11 $20.11
Apples (1kg)
$4.59 $4.59
$3.47 $3.47
$4.99 $4.99
Banana (1kg)
$1.53 $1.53
$1.07 $1.07
$4.29 $4.29
Oranges (1kg)
$3.75 $3.75
$2.51 $2.51
$13.30 $13.30
Tomato (1kg)
$4.79 $4.79
$2.86 $2.86
$6.65 $6.65
Potato (1kg)
$2.57 $2.57
$1.19 $1.19
$4.28 $4.28
Onion (1kg)
$2.58 $2.58
$1.89 $1.89
$4.30 $4.30
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.35 $2.35
$2.02 $2.02
$3.07 $3.07
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.33 $2.33
$1.54 $1.54
$3.95 $3.95
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$10.11 $10.11
$7.58 $7.58
$10.86 $10.86
Wine (Bottle)
$19.38 $19.38
$12.24 $12.24
$30.60 $30.60
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.22 $2.22
$1.69 $1.69
$4.16 $4.16
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.70 $3.70
$1.81 $1.81
$6.84 $6.84
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.96 $1.96
$1.22 $1.22
$1.96 $1.96
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.46 $2.46
$2.46 $2.46
$4.91 $4.91
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.36 $1.36
$1.36 $1.36
$2.11 $2.11
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$25.22 $25.22
$25.22 $25.22
$25.22 $25.22
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.82 $0.82
$0.70 $0.70
$0.94 $0.94
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$27.0K $27.0K
$23.4K $23.4K
$33.0K $33.0K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$25.5K $25.5K
$24.8K $24.8K
$26.2K $26.2K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$190 $190
$133 $133
$297 $297
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$73.2 $73.2
$43.13 $43.13
$120 $120
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$71.3 $71.3
$71.3 $71.3
$131 $131
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$42.44 $42.44
$17.27 $17.27
$49.35 $49.35
Cinema Ticket
$15.17 $15.17
$12.14 $12.14
$18.21 $18.21
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,521 $1,521
$815 $815
$1,697 $1,697
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$24.3K $24.3K
$24.3K $24.3K
$24.3K $24.3K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$57.8 $57.8
$44.77 $44.77
$79.1 $79.1
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$25.18 $25.18
$25.18 $25.18
$50.4 $50.4
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$89.7 $89.7
$59.9 $59.9
$120 $120
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$99.9 $99.9
$89.1 $89.1
$124 $124
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,598 $1,598
$1,197 $1,197
$1,852 $1,852
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,331 $1,331
$983 $983
$1,475 $1,475
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,636 $2,636
$2,005 $2,005
$3,007 $3,007
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$2,234 $2,234
$1,709 $1,709
$2,513 $2,513
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,397 $2,397
$1,745 $1,745
$2,397 $2,397
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,578 $2,578
$2,092 $2,092
$2,578 $2,578
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
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: April 20, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Groceries cost around $442 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $75.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $0.

Cost Highlights

Cappuccino is more expensive than 95% of cities in North America

Eggs is more expensive than 92% of cities in North America

Chicken fillets is more expensive than 90% of cities in North America

Golden, CO Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Golden, CO - Frequently Asked Questions
How affordable is Golden, CO for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
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.
What does daily life look like in Golden, including housing search, food options, transport, and coworking?
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.
What’s the quality of life like in Golden, and how can you budget and plan for the seasons?
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.
What are typical monthly expenses for a single person in Golden, CO?
All in, Golden, CO runs about $2,706 monthly with rent, or $1,095 without it. These numbers assume a moderate lifestyle – comfortable but not lavish. Choosing a cheaper neighborhood and cooking at home are the easiest ways to spend less.
Is Golden, CO really that expensive?
Golden, CO is expensive by global standards – monthly costs hit about $2,706. Housing is the main driver: central rents are steep, and even outer neighborhoods cost more than the global average. Strong demand, high local incomes, and limited supply all push prices up.
What income do you need to cover all expenses in Golden, CO?
You'll want at least $4,059 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Golden, CO. That covers a decent apartment, groceries, utilities, transport, and enough left over for dining out occasionally. Families or people wanting a central location should budget higher.
How much does a one-bedroom apartment cost to rent in Golden, CO?
In Golden, CO's center, a one-bedroom apartment runs about $1,598 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $1,331. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
Why are groceries so expensive in Golden, CO?
Groceries in Golden, CO aren't cheap – expect to spend around $442 per month. Even basic staples are priced above global averages, and organic or imported products push the bill higher. Cooking at home still saves money versus eating out, but food is a noticeable expense here.
What should I budget for food in Golden, CO?
Groceries are expensive in Golden, CO – about $442 per month for one person. Imported goods and organic products are widely available but pricey. Local markets and discount stores help, but food is a noticeable budget item.
Is $1,500 enough to cover living costs in Golden, CO?
$1,500 in Golden, CO is a stretch – monthly costs with rent hit $2,706, and housing alone takes a big chunk. Even with a shared flat and minimal going out, there's very little buffer for surprises or savings.
Why do remote workers choose Golden, CO?
Digital nomads flock to Golden, CO for good reason: fast internet, low crime rates, clean air. Monthly costs land around $2,706 depending on your setup – strong value for the connectivity and quality of life you get. Coworking spaces and nomad-friendly cafés round out the appeal.

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