Moving from Boulder to Bend (2026)
Bend has a COL index of 112 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). You'd pay about 15% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$443/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
132112
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$2,300$1,900
per month
State tax
4.4%9.9%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,466$4,122
per month
Salary needed in Bend to match your Boulder lifestyle
Based on the 15% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Boulder | Equivalent in Bend |
|---|---|
| $40K | $33,939 |
| $50K | $42,424 |
| $60K | $50,909 |
| $75K | $63,636 |
| $80K | $67,879 |
| $100K | $84,848 |
| $120K | $101,818 |
| $150K | $127,273 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Boulder vs Bend
| Expense | Boulder | Bend |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,466 | $4,122 |
| 1BR rent | $2,300 | $1,900 |
| Groceries | $414 | $399 |
| Transport | $80 | $65 |
| Utilities | $138 | $125 |
| Internet | $68 | $68 |
| Left after essentials | $1,466 | $1,565 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Bend cheaper than Boulder?
Yes. Bend has a cost of living index of 112 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). That's about 15% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Boulder to Bend?
On a $75K salary, moving from Boulder to Bend could save roughly $443/month on core expenses. That's ~$5,316/year.
What salary do I need in Bend to match my Boulder lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Boulder, you'd need roughly $63,636/year in Bend. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Bend to BoulderBoulder vs Bend — full comparisonBoulder cost of livingBend 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