Median rent is 2% lower in Los Angeles ($1,879/mo vs $1,924/mo). Buying is cheaper in Los Angeles, where the median home runs $879,500 versus $982,600. Households earn more in Boulder ($85,364 vs $80,366 a year). Taken together, Boulder is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 99.9 against 113.3 — about 12% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Boulder, CO.
Quick verdict
Boulder is 12% cheaper overall
Cost index: 99.9 in Boulder vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Boulder, CO
City B
Los Angeles, CA
How much would you need to earn in Los Angeles, CA to maintain your standard of living from Boulder, CO?
Equivalent salary in Los Angeles, CA
$85,033
You'd need $10,033 more (13% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Boulder
Colorado
Los Angeles
California
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,924/mo in Boulder and $1,879/mo in Los Angeles. Median home values are within 10% of each other: $982,600 in Boulder and $879,500 in Los Angeles.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Colorado's top income tax rate is 4.40% versus 13.30% in California, so Boulder is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 2.90% in Colorado and 7.25% in California; Boulder has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Boulder
Income tax: 4.40%
Sales tax: 2.90%
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 77.0) but not yet for Boulder.
Pick Boulder if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 99.9 vs 113.3).
Pick Boulder if you prioritize higher median household income ($85,364/yr).
Pick Boulder if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.40%).
Is Boulder cheaper than Los Angeles?
Boulder is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 99.9 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 12% lower in Boulder.
How much is rent in Boulder vs Los Angeles?
Median rent is $1,924/mo in Boulder, CO and $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles, CA has the lower rent by about 2%.
Which has higher salaries — Boulder or Los Angeles?
Median household income is $85,364 in Boulder, CO and $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA. Boulder, CO has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Boulder or Los Angeles?
Colorado's top income tax rate is 4.40% and California's is 13.30%. Boulder, CO has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Los Angeles to match my Boulder income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Boulder, CO is equivalent to roughly $113,377 in Los Angeles, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology