Cost of Living in Boulder, CO [2025]
Are you dreaming of moving to the picturesque, outdoor-loving city of Boulder, CO? Whether it's for college or career opportunities, living in Boulder comes with many benefits - from its low unemployment rate to its stunning Rocky Mountains views. However, as with any move, one of your biggest concerns is likely how expensive it can be.
In this post we're breaking down everything you need to know about the cost of living in Boulder, CO so that you can decide if it’s right for your rental journey. Let's take a look at what living in Boulder will mean for your budget!
Cost of Living in Boulder, CO
What Is the Cost of Living in Boulder, CO?
Living in Boulder comes with scores of benefits and natural beauty, but it doesn't come cheaply. According to BestPlaces, the cost of living is 41.3% higher than the national average. It's also 17.3% higher than the state average. Let's see how those costs break down by category.
| Cost of Living | Boulder | Colorado | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 141.3 | 120.5 | 100 |
| Grocery | 106.5 | 100.7 | 100 |
| Health | 85.5 | 83.8 | 100 |
| Housing | 322.6 | 167.5 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $997,100 | $527,200 | $338,100 |
| Utilities | 92.5 | 98.4 | 100 |
| Transportation | 95.2 | 106.7 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 154.4 | 120.4 | 100 |
Highest Cost of Living in Boulder
Mapleton Hill is among the most expensive neighborhoods in Boulder. Currently, the starting rent is $1,500 for a one-bedroom apartment.
Lowest Cost of Living in Boulder
If you're looking to save some money, Federal Heights is among the cheaper neighborhoods in Boulder. Rents start at $1,199 for a one-bedroom apartment in Federal Heights.
How Much Is Rent in Boulder?
According to our December 2024 data on the rent in Boulder, the median rent overall is $1,828. For a one-bedroom apartment, that median rate is $1,530 and for a two-bedroom it's $1,909. These figures show a slight decline in rent since early 2024.
How Much is Rent for a 1-Bedroom Apartment in Boulder, CO?
After looking over our latest rental data from December 2024, the median cost of a one-bedroom apartment is $1,530. This figure shows a slight decline in rents month-over-month and year-over-year.
How Much is Rent for a 2-Bedroom Apartment in Boulder, CO?
If you're moving in with a roommate or need extra space, you'll spend a median price of $1,909 for a two-bedroom apartment as of December 2024.
How Much Is a House in Boulder?
The Boulder housing market is also seeing steady growth, with median home prices at $997,100. This figure is significantly higher than the median home price in Colorado of $527,200 and the national average of $338,100.
What Salary Do You Need to Live in Boulder?
To determine your recommended salary, you can follow the 30% rule for rent, which recommends never spending more than one-third of your gross income on rent. For example, if your rent is close to the median for a one-bedroom apartment in Boulder and costs $1,530, according to the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $61,200, or $5,100 a month and $31,38 an hour.
You should also consider the living wage in Boulder, which according to MIT's data is $26.36 per hour or $54,829 annually. The living wage is the basic wage needed to pay for essentials such as housing, food, transportation, and other necessities. It’s important to keep in mind that this living wage does not account for any extra costs like entertainment, student loan repayments, and dining out.
You can also look at the U.S. Census Bureau data to look over the median household income in Boulder, which is $85,364 a year or $43.20 an hour. You can compare that to the median household income in the United States of $78,538 a year or $37.76 an hour.
How Much Is Transportation in Boulder?
If you're a single adult with no children and you drive your own car, you'll spend about $9,403 for transportation in Boulder over a year. Two working adults with two children will pay $15,773 for transportation.
However, if you don't want your own vehicle, can easily get around Boulder without a vehicle of your own by utilizing public transportation. Two main companies operating in the city; the Regional Transportation District (RTD), which operates a majority of Boulder’s Community Transit Network, and Via Mobility Services, which operates the HOP route.
You can purchase tickets through the RTD Mobile Tickets App for local, regional, and airport rates. Choose from 3-hour passes, day passes, or monthly passes. Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are also readily available throughout Boulder, perfect for those who prefer not to have a vehicle of their own.
Another excellent alternative to both public transportation and vehicle ownership is biking. Boulder has 300 miles of dedicated bike paths and has been named the bike capital of the US, with four bikes for every one person.
If you're working remotely from home, you may be able to save money on your commute to work. A 35-minute drive from Boulder will take you to Denver, which is one of the best cities for remote workers.
How Much Are Food Costs in Boulder?
Boulder offers countless dining options, from French bistros to traditional diner food to authentic Nepalese cuisine. Eating out in Boulder costs an average of $21 for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant. A three-course dinner for two people at a mid-range restaurant will run $82.50.
Single adults without children can expect to pay at least $5,216 on food per year. If you're a family of four, two working adults with two children, you can expect to pay $15,330 a year for food.
You can anticipate food prices similar to the national average, with some items significantly lower when it comes to grocery market pricing. For example, one gallon of regular milk will run you $4.46 in the grocery store, with the national average being $4.00. Alternatively, one pound of cheese in Boulder will cost you $5.33 at the grocery store, which is is below the national average of $5.87.
How Much Is Healthcare in Boulder?
When planning your budget in Boulder, you will also want to account for proper medical care. A single adult without children will pay around $2,677 for medical care over the year. Two working adults with two children will pay $8,361.
How Much Are Utility Costs in Boulder?
To help you get through the colder months of the year, you'll need to account for higher utilities in the winter. Colorado’s basic utilities include electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, and run $237.77 for a 915-sq. ft. apartment.
| Location | Avg Electricity Cost | Avg Gas Cost | Avg Water Cost | Avg Fuel Cost | Avg Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 121.62 | 63.64 | 50.58 | 1.93 | 237.77 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | 156.32 | 63.54 | 52.25 | 1.22 | 273.33 |
| Denver, CO | 131.08 | 50.56 | 81.92 | 1.00 | 264.57 |
The weather in Boulder adds to the appeal of the city, with warm and sunny months from May to August. Winters can be cool or cold, with the coldest months being December through February. The summers stay mostly temperate, with the highs coming in July, rarely exceeding 89°. The colder months can bring snow, with temperatures dropping as low as 22° in January.
Boulder Fitness and Entertainment Costs
If you plan to keep fit, even during the cold winter months, you’ll want to consider a club membership, as well as the costs associated. The monthly fee for a fitness club membership for one adult is pretty high in the city at $84.12.
Thankfully, most of the year stays temperate, encouraging people to get outdoors for physical activity. Enjoy hiking trails all over Boulder, such as the Bobolink Trailhead, Boulder Canyon Trail, or Rattlesnake Gulch Trail.
There are plenty of sources of entertainment throughout the city. A seat at the cinema will cost you $16.50 without snacks or drinks. Of course, you can save a few bucks by checking out one of the sixty public parks Boulder has to offer, including Harlow Platts Park, Gateway Fun Park, or Foothills Community Park.
Other Expenses to Consider in Boulder
Taxes are often overlooked in the budgeting process. Thankfully, the state of Colorado has a flat income tax rate of 4.63%, which is well below the nation’s highest in California at 13.3%.
Colorado also has the lowest sales tax in the country at 3.07%, making it even more appealing for Boulder renters. Homebuyers can also benefit when purchasing in the state of Colorado with extremely low property taxes.
If you are moving out of state, you’ll need to consider costs associated with cross-country movers, storage, hotels, and transportation. Moves sometimes require additional fees that can add up. These may take the form of apartment application fees, security deposits, pet deposits, and other add-ons.
Lastly, don’t forget about furnishing your new place to make it feel like home. Getting settled into your new apartment can be expensive, but luckily, there are ways to do it frugally. Get more tips on decorating your apartment on a budget to help minimize some of your initial move-in costs.
Looking for an Apartment in Boulder?
It’s hard to imagine why anyone wouldn’t want to move to the happiest and fittest city in the country. If you are looking for a bike-friendly city with some incredible views, Boulder might be an excellent option for you.
If you're interested in learning more about living in Colorado, check out the following blogs:
Register with Apartment List today and check out the hundreds of available apartments to rent in Boulder!
FAQs: Cost of Living in Boulder
How expensive is an apartment in Boulder?
Overall median rent in Chicago is $1,662. A one-bedroom apartment in Chicago costs $1,541. A two-bedroom apartment in Chicago costs $1,667.
What is the cheapest rent in Boulder?
A one-bedroom apartment is the cheapest rent you will find in Boulder, with the median rent sitting at $1,530. The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Boulder raises your rent to $1,909 a month.
How expensive is it to live in Boulder?
Living in Boulder can get pricey, especially for some of the basics like housing. The median rent for all of Boulder is currently $1,828. Transportation costs in Boulder is currently $9,403 a year for a single adult. Food costs an average of $5,216 for a single adult in Boulder.
How far Is Boulder from Denver?
Boulder is 27.5 miles away from Denver. It takes 34 minutes to get to Denver from Boulder by car, 3 hours by bike, and 10 hours by foot.
How far Is Boulder from Colorado Springs?
Boulder is 97.2 miles away from Colorado Springs. It takes 1 hour and 34 minutes to get to Colorado Springs from Boulder by car, 10 hours by bike, and 33 hours by foot.
What Is the population of Boulder?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Boulder is 105,898. It is the 12th-most populated city in the state of Colorado.
What is a good salary in Boulder?
If you follow our budgeting rule and spend no more than 30% of your income on rent, you should earn at least $61,200 a year, $5,100 a month, or $31.38 an hour to afford to cover the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment which sits at $1,530. However, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Boulder, CO is currently $85,364.
Is Denver cheaper than Boulder?
Chicago is significantly cheaper than New York. The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in New York sits at $2,224, while the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Chicago sits at $1,420.
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