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Cost of Living in Boulder

Is it better to rent or buy in Boulder? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$111,943
$2,159/mo

Median in area: $2,159

$824,324

Median in area: $824,324

$164,865

If you Rent

🔑
$2,316 /mo
Base Rent$2,159
Est. Utilities$157
% of Income24.8%
Pre-tax Residual$7,013

If you Buy

🏠
$4,897 /mo
P&I (6.5%)$4,168
Taxes & Ins$572
Est. Utilities$157
% of Income52.5%
Pre-tax Residual$4,431

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Boulder?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Boulder. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $2,316, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $4,897 per month (a difference of $2,581).

How much do utilities cost in Boulder?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Boulder is approximately $157. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Boulder?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Boulder without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $92,640 per year.