Boulder, Colorado has an overall cost of living index of 99.9, which is 0.1 points below the US average of 100 — making it about average versus most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,924 per month, while the typical home is valued around $982,600. Households earn a median of $85,364 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$85,364
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,924
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$982,600
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
99.9
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$1,553
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$1,795
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$2,124
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$2,820
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
99.9
Goods
96.4
Rents / Housing
150.3
Services
84.5
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
4.40%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
2.90%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $182,650 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $99,350 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $75,630 |
| ⚡Electrician | $66,250 |
| 📊Accountant | $96,480 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
106,274
Latest estimate
Median Age
28.8 yrs
Census ACS
🌬️
AQI data not available
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Boulder?
Boulder has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 99.9. The US national average is 100, so Boulder is 0.1 points below the national average.
What is the median rent in Boulder?
The median gross rent in Boulder is $1,924 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Boulder?
The median household income in Boulder is $85,364 per year.
What is the median home value in Boulder?
The median home value in Boulder is $982,600 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Boulder?
Air quality data for Boulder is not yet available.
What are the taxes like in Boulder?
Colorado has a top state income tax rate of 4.40% and a statewide sales tax of 2.90% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology