Cheapest Cities Near Boulder (2026)

Boulder has a cost of living index of 132 (US avg = 100). Here are 8 more affordable metros to consider as alternatives.

More affordable alternatives

1
Flint, MI42% cheaper
COL: 771BR: $880/moSave $1,420/mo on rent
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2
McAllen, TX41% cheaper
COL: 781BR: $950/moSave $1,350/mo on rent
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3
Jackson, MS40% cheaper
COL: 791BR: $1,000/moSave $1,300/mo on rent
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4
Springfield, MO40% cheaper
COL: 791BR: $950/moSave $1,350/mo on rent
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5
Laredo, TX40% cheaper
COL: 791BR: $950/moSave $1,350/mo on rent
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6
Evansville, IN39% cheaper
COL: 801BR: $990/moSave $1,310/mo on rent
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7
Topeka, KS39% cheaper
COL: 801BR: $940/moSave $1,360/mo on rent
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8
El Paso, TX39% cheaper
COL: 801BR: $1,050/moSave $1,250/mo on rent
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Boulder at a glance

132
COL index
100 = US avg
$2,300
1BR rent
per month
$800K
Home price
median
4.4%
State tax
income

Cities with similar cost of living

Sacramento, CACOL: 127Portland, ORCOL: 125Santa Rosa, CACOL: 140Miami, FLCOL: 123

COL index sourced from Numbeo, Zillow, and BLS data · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only