Boulder, CO Cost of Living


55 Reviews



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How much do I need to live in Boulder, Colorado?
$15,930 / month
for a family, 195.0% more expensive than the national average A total of $191,160 for the year for a family.
$5,667 / month
for a single person, 18.9% more expensive than the national average A total of $68,000 for the year for a single person.

Boulder cost of living score
141.3
More expensive
41.3% higher
than the US average
17.3% higher
than the Colorado average
Boulder, Colorado gets a BestPlaces Cost of Living score of 141.3, which means the total cost of housing, food, childcare, transportation, healthcare, taxes, and other necessities is 41.3% higher than the U.S. average and 17.3% lower than the average for Colorado.

Boulder, CO

Housing costs in Boulder?
A typical home costs $997,100, which is 194.9% more expensive than the national average of $338,100 and 89.1% more expensive than the average Colorado home, at $527,200. Renting a two-bedroom unit in Boulder costs $2,060 per month, which is 44.1% more than the national average of $1,430 and 19.9% more than the state average of $1,650.

Can I afford Boulder?
To live comfortably in Boulder, Colorado, a minimum annual income of $191,160 for a family, and $68,000 for a single person is recommended.

What does A.I. say about Boulder?
Boulder is a great option for those looking for more affordable living solutions in Colorado with median housing values coming in just under $500K and renting typically costing two thirds that amount each month. Grocery stores similarly remain slightly below US averages largely due to the state's low 4.63% sales tax rate while utility bills tend to be lower than other nearby cities - thanks largely to its location near a handful of mountain ranges & rivers.
   Cost of living score
       Higher than 100 is more expensive than the national average.
       Lower than 100 is less expensive.
     CategoriesBoulderColoradoUnited States
    Unlock120.5100.0
  106.5  Unlock100.0
    Unlock83.8100.0
  322.6  Unlock100.0
    Unlock$527,200$338,100
  92.5  Unlock100.0
    Unlock106.7100.0
  154.4  Unlock100.0

   100=National Average

   Average Rent by Bedroom Size
Reviews for Boulder
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Outside of the university, Boulder had a very distinctive "wealthy hippy" feel. A lot of alternative medicine and a matching ethos. This is changing some among my  More

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We moved here from Texas about 4 years ago and love it here! The amazing sense of community and high regard for the environment are two of the main reasons we love  More

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Over 5 years ago

Most people do much worse than Boulder. I'm the most critical person I've ever met who is never happy or satisfied -- so that's a pretty huge compliment.   More

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