Moving from Boulder to Flagstaff (2026)
Flagstaff has a COL index of 102 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). You'd pay about 23% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Flagstaff to match your Boulder lifestyle
Based on the 23% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Boulder | Equivalent in Flagstaff |
|---|---|
| $40K | $30,909 |
| $50K | $38,636 |
| $60K | $46,364 |
| $75K | $57,955 |
| $80K | $61,818 |
| $100K | $77,273 |
| $120K | $92,727 |
| $150K | $115,909 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Boulder vs Flagstaff
| Expense | Boulder | Flagstaff |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,466 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $2,300 | $1,650 |
| Groceries | $414 | $384 |
| Transport | $80 | $45 |
| Utilities | $138 | $195 |
| Internet | $68 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $1,466 | $2,245 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Flagstaff cheaper than Boulder?
Yes. Flagstaff has a cost of living index of 102 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). That's about 23% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Boulder to Flagstaff?
On a $75K salary, moving from Boulder to Flagstaff could save roughly $661/month on core expenses. That's ~$7,932/year.
What salary do I need in Flagstaff to match my Boulder lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Boulder, you'd need roughly $57,955/year in Flagstaff. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
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