Moving from Boulder to Albany (2026)
Albany has a COL index of 92 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). You'd pay about 30% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$902/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
13292
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$2,300$1,400
per month
State tax
4.4%6.9%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,466$4,309
per month
Salary needed in Albany to match your Boulder lifestyle
Based on the 30% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Boulder | Equivalent in Albany |
|---|---|
| $40K | $27,879 |
| $50K | $34,848 |
| $60K | $41,818 |
| $75K | $52,273 |
| $80K | $55,758 |
| $100K | $69,697 |
| $120K | $83,636 |
| $150K | $104,545 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Boulder vs Albany
| Expense | Boulder | Albany |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,466 | $4,309 |
| 1BR rent | $2,300 | $1,400 |
| Groceries | $414 | $380 |
| Transport | $80 | $68 |
| Utilities | $138 | $185 |
| Internet | $68 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $1,466 | $2,211 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Albany cheaper than Boulder?
Yes. Albany has a cost of living index of 92 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). That's about 30% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Boulder to Albany?
On a $75K salary, moving from Boulder to Albany could save roughly $902/month on core expenses. That's ~$10,824/year.
What salary do I need in Albany to match my Boulder lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Boulder, you'd need roughly $52,273/year in Albany. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Albany to BoulderBoulder vs Albany — full comparisonBoulder cost of livingAlbany cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only