Castle Rock vs. Denver: A 2025 Cost of Living & Lifestyle Breakdown

You live in or near Denver. You love the energy, the culture, and the instant access to the mountains. But you're starting to wonder: Is there a place that offers more space, a stronger community feel, and a slightly more relaxed pace—without giving up the Colorado lifestyle you love?

Enter Castle Rock.

As one of the most desirable communities south of the city, the "Castle Rock vs. Denver" debate is one many Denverites are having right now. It's a question of cost, commute, and overall quality of life. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve created a detailed, side-by-side comparison of what it really costs—and what you get for your money—in both locations.

The Main Event: Housing Costs

This is the single biggest factor in any cost-of-living analysis, and where you'll see the most significant difference.

Median Home Price: At first glance, the median home prices might seem surprisingly close. In mid-2025, a single-family home in Denver might have a median price around $675,000, while in Castle Rock it could be around $725,000. But this doesn't tell the whole story.

The Crucial Difference: What You GET for Your Money

This is the key. In Denver, that $700k price tag might get you a beautifully updated but smaller 1,500 sq. ft. bungalow with a tiny yard in a neighborhood like Platt Park. In Castle Rock, that same budget often gets you a modern, 2,800 sq. ft. home with a 2-car garage, a larger yard for the dog, and access to community amenities like a pool and parks.

The verdict: While prices can be similar, your housing dollar almost always buys you significantly more space, newer construction, and more amenities in Castle Rock.

Property Taxes: Both are relatively low compared to other states. Denver and Castle Rock (located in Douglas County) have comparable property tax structures, but the specific "mill levy" for a neighborhood can vary. This is generally not a major deciding factor between the two.

A Look at Everyday Expenses

When you zoom in on daily and weekly costs, you'll find that life in Castle Rock and Denver is remarkably similar in most categories, with one notable exception.

Groceries, Utilities, and Gasoline

For most of your recurring bills, you won't notice a major difference. The cost of groceries, electricity, natural gas, and gasoline are all comparable across the Denver metro area. What you spend is more dependent on your personal usage than your specific address.

The Clear Winner: Sales Tax

Here’s where Castle Rock has a distinct financial advantage. The combined sales tax in Castle Rock is 7.9%. In contrast, Denver's rate is a full point higher at 8.81%. While that might seem small on a cup of coffee, it creates real savings on every purchase you make, from your weekly shopping to big-ticket items like appliances, furniture, or a new car.

Beyond the Numbers: The Lifestyle Comparison

This is where the choice becomes truly personal. The "cost" of living is also about the "quality" of living.

The Denver Lifestyle

Denver offers a classic urban and dense suburban experience.

Pros: Highly walkable/bikeable neighborhoods (like Wash Park, Highlands, RiNo), professional sports, major concert venues, endless dining and nightlife options, and proximity to major employment centers.

Cons: Traffic and congestion, competition for parking and space, and a faster pace of life.

The Castle Rock Lifestyle

Castle Rock delivers a quintessential Colorado suburban and exurban lifestyle.

Pros: A strong, family-oriented community feel. Nationally recognized parks and outdoor recreation (Philip S. Miller Park, miles of trails). Excellent schools in the Douglas County School District. A charming and growing downtown with great local restaurants and shops.

Cons: It's a car-dependent community. The nightlife is quieter, and you'll need to commute for major concerts or sporting events.

The Commute Factor

For those working in Denver, the commute is a real consideration. With the rise of remote and hybrid work, this has become less of a barrier for many.

To the Denver Tech Center (DTC): A typical peak commute is 25-40 minutes.

To Downtown Denver: A typical peak commute is 40-60+ minutes.

Many residents find the trade-off of a commute a few days a week is well worth the lifestyle benefits they enjoy every day.

The Final Verdict: Which is Right For You?

When you truly compare the cost of living in Castle Rock vs. Denver, the conclusion is clear: while daily expenses are neck-and-neck, the real difference lies in the housing market.

You're trading the urban density and immediate access of Denver for significantly more home and a more community-focused, outdoor-oriented lifestyle in Castle Rock.

If the Castle Rock lifestyle sounds like the right fit for your family and your future, we'd love to help you explore the possibilities.  Contact us today to talk about your goals and see the incredible homes this community has to offer.