Moving from Boulder to Reno (2026)
Reno has a COL index of 101 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). You'd pay about 23% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$674/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
132101
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$2,300$1,650
per month
State tax
4.4%None
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,466$4,741
per month
Salary needed in Reno to match your Boulder lifestyle
Based on the 23% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Boulder | Equivalent in Reno |
|---|---|
| $40K | $30,606 |
| $50K | $38,258 |
| $60K | $45,909 |
| $75K | $57,386 |
| $80K | $61,212 |
| $100K | $76,515 |
| $120K | $91,818 |
| $150K | $114,773 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Boulder vs Reno
| Expense | Boulder | Reno |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,466 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $2,300 | $1,650 |
| Groceries | $414 | $384 |
| Transport | $80 | $62 |
| Utilities | $138 | $165 |
| Internet | $68 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $1,466 | $2,415 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Reno cheaper than Boulder?
Yes. Reno has a cost of living index of 101 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). That's about 23% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Boulder to Reno?
On a $75K salary, moving from Boulder to Reno could save roughly $674/month on core expenses. That's ~$8,088/year.
What salary do I need in Reno to match my Boulder lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Boulder, you'd need roughly $57,386/year in Reno. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Reno to BoulderBoulder vs Reno — full comparisonBoulder cost of livingReno 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