Moving from Boulder to Roanoke (2026)
Roanoke has a COL index of 87 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). You'd pay about 34% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$1,176/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
13287
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$2,300$1,200
per month
State tax
4.4%5.8%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,466$4,378
per month
Salary needed in Roanoke to match your Boulder lifestyle
Based on the 34% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Boulder | Equivalent in Roanoke |
|---|---|
| $40K | $26,364 |
| $50K | $32,955 |
| $60K | $39,545 |
| $75K | $49,432 |
| $80K | $52,727 |
| $100K | $65,909 |
| $120K | $79,091 |
| $150K | $98,864 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Boulder vs Roanoke
| Expense | Boulder | Roanoke |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,466 | $4,378 |
| 1BR rent | $2,300 | $1,200 |
| Groceries | $414 | $361 |
| Transport | $80 | $48 |
| Utilities | $138 | $155 |
| Internet | $68 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $1,466 | $2,554 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Roanoke cheaper than Boulder?
Yes. Roanoke has a cost of living index of 87 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). That's about 34% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Boulder to Roanoke?
On a $75K salary, moving from Boulder to Roanoke could save roughly $1,176/month on core expenses. That's ~$14,112/year.
What salary do I need in Roanoke to match my Boulder lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Boulder, you'd need roughly $49,432/year in Roanoke. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Roanoke to BoulderBoulder vs Roanoke — full comparisonBoulder cost of livingRoanoke 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