Cost of Living in Boulder, Colorado (2026)
COL Index
132
100 = US avg
1BR Rent
$2,300
per month
Median HHI
$80K
per year
State Tax
4.4%
income tax
Full cost breakdown
| Category | Boulder |
|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | |
| Studio rent/mo | $1,800 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $2,300 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $3,000 |
| Median home price | $800K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | |
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 109 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $17 |
| Mid-range dinner (2 people) | $70 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | |
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $80 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.45 |
| Car insurance/mo | $140 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | |
| Utilities bundle (elec + gas + water)/mo | $138 |
| Internet/mo | $68 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | |
| Median household income/yr | $80K |
| State income tax rate | 4.4% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 8.0% |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 132 |
| Walk score / 100 | 52 |
Is Boulder affordable on your salary?
How rent burden (1BR) changes across income levels. Under 30% is comfortable; above 40% is tight.
$40K
~$2,582/mo take-home
89% rent burden · Difficult
$50K
~$2,977/mo take-home
77% rent burden · Difficult
$60K
~$3,573/mo take-home
64% rent burden · Difficult
$75K
~$4,466/mo take-home
52% rent burden · Difficult
$80K
~$4,763/mo take-home
48% rent burden · Difficult
$100K
~$5,954/mo take-home
39% rent burden · Tight
$120K
~$6,715/mo take-home
34% rent burden · Manageable
$150K
~$8,394/mo take-home
27% rent burden · Comfortable
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Data: Zillow Observed Rent Index, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, US Census ACS · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only