Can I Afford to Live in Boulder vs Madison on $40K?
Here's how a $40K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Boulder CO | Madison WI |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $2,582 | $2,472 |
| 1BR rent | $2,300 | $1,650 |
| Groceries (est.) | $414 | $384 |
| Transport (est.) | $80 | $62 |
| Utilities | $138 | $162 |
| Internet | $68 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | -$418/month | $151/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $40K a good salary in Boulder?
At $40K/year in Boulder, your estimated monthly take-home is $2,582. With 1BR rent around $2,300/month, rent takes up 89% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.
Is $40K a good salary in Madison?
At $40K/year in Madison, your estimated monthly take-home is $2,472. With 1BR rent around $1,650/month, rent takes up 67% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.
Which city is more affordable on a $40K salary?
Madison leaves you with more money after core expenses — $151/month vs $-418/month in Boulder.
Can I afford to live alone in Boulder on $40K?
It's tight. Rent in Boulder would take 89% of your $40K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.
See the full cost-of-living comparison
Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.
Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only