Boulder, CO

Very High · 197

Colorado · Population 106,274 · Updated March 2026

$1,924
Median Rent / Month
$85,364
Median Income
$982,600
Median Home Value
$1,941
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Boulder

27.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Moderate
Rent takes 25-35% of median income — moderate affordability.

Tax Burden in Colorado

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

4.4%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
2.9%
Sales Tax
0.51%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$23,088
Annual Rent
$3,756
State Income Tax
$5,011
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Boulder has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 197 (where 100 equals the national median), Boulder residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,924/month while earning a median household income of $85,364/year.

The median home value in Boulder, CO is $982,600, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,941 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 27.0%, Boulder falls within the generally affordable range, though it's approaching the 30% burden threshold.

Colorado has a moderate income tax rate of 4.4%. Combined with a 2.9% sales tax rate and 0.51% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Boulder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Boulder

What is the cost of living in Boulder, CO?
The cost of living index in Boulder, CO is 197 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,924, median household income is $85,364/year, and the median home value is $982,600.
Is Boulder, CO affordable?
No, Boulder is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 197. The rent-to-income ratio is 27.0%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Boulder, CO?
The median gross rent in Boulder, CO is $1,924 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $23,088.
What is the median household income in Boulder?
The median household income in Boulder, CO is $85,364 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Colorado?
Colorado has a top income tax rate of 4.4%, a sales tax of 2.9%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.51%.