Cost of Living in Boulder, CO

With a cost of living index of 174, Boulder, CO is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 74% more expensive than the national average and 60% above the Colorado state average of 114. As a major city with a population of 106,274, Boulder offers a wide range of housing options, employment opportunities, and urban amenities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Boulder's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,924 (46% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $982,600 (222% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 11.5x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Boulder is $85,364, which is 14% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 27% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability. While incomes are above average, they do not fully offset the higher cost of living.

Everyday prices in the Boulder, CO (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.