Cost of Living in Boulder, CO
Population 106,274 · Colorado · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Boulder sits 222% above the national median — $983,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $85,364 (14% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. Around 22% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Boulder
The median home value in Boulder is $982,600 — 222% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,924/month, 46% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $85,364/year is 14% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.1%, above the national average of 4.8%. Colorado's top state income tax rate is 4.4% and the combined sales tax is 7.8%. Overall, Boulder has a cost of living index of 252 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 152% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Boulder, CO?
Boulder has a cost index of 252 (100 = national average). It is 152% above the national average.
What is average rent in Boulder, CO?
The median gross rent in Boulder is $1,924 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Boulder?
The median home value in Boulder is $982,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Boulder?
The median household income in Boulder is $85,364 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Boulder, CO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Boulder is 7.8%. The Colorado state income tax top rate is 4.4%.
Is Boulder, CO affordable?
Boulder is above average in cost of living, with an index of 252 — about 152% higher than the national average.
Boulder at a Glance
- Population
- 106,274
- Median Income
- $85,364
- Home Value
- $982,600
- Median Rent
- $1,924/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.1%
- Sales Tax
- 7.8%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Colorado Rankings
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