What Is the Cost of Living in Boulder, Colorado?

Boulder, Colorado, is recognized for its distinctive environment and often presents a higher cost of living compared to national averages. This is particularly noticeable when considering overall expenses compared to many other locations across the United States.

Housing Expenses

Housing represents a significant portion of living expenses in Boulder. Renting an apartment in the city typically costs more than the national average. The average rent for a studio apartment is around $1,702 per month, while a one-bedroom unit averages approximately $1,906. Two-bedroom apartments range from $2,380 to $2,700 monthly, and three-bedroom rentals can exceed $3,600. Rental prices vary based on location, with some neighborhoods offering more affordable options.

For those considering homeownership, Boulder’s median home prices are substantially higher than both state and national averages. The median home price in Boulder is around $930,000 to $997,100. In Boulder County, the effective property tax rate averages around 0.53%. Property taxes are calculated based on an assessed value, which for residential properties is a fraction of the market value.

Transportation Costs

Transportation expenses in Boulder include public transit, private vehicle use, and alternative modes. The Regional Transportation District (RTD) offers public bus and rail services. A standard monthly RTD pass costs $88, while a day pass is $5.50. Discounted fares are available for eligible individuals, costing $27 for a monthly pass and $2.70 for a day pass. Additionally, various EcoPass programs, often sponsored by employers or neighborhoods, provide unlimited rides.

Operating a private vehicle involves several costs. The average price for regular gasoline in the Boulder-Longmont metro area is approximately $3.16 per gallon. Car insurance premiums in Boulder average around $131 to $142 per month for an individual policy. Parking within Boulder also adds to costs, with on-street meters charging $1.50 to $3.00 per hour, enforced Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Parking garages in downtown Boulder charge $1.75 for the first hour and $1.25 for subsequent hours, with a flat rate of $15.99 for 6 to 12 hours on weekdays.

Boulder emphasizes alternative transportation. The Boulder BCycle program offers electric bike share services, providing unlimited 60-minute rides for free with an annual pass for CU Boulder students and staff, and a discounted annual pass of $40 for low-income individuals. Trips exceeding 60 minutes incur a $3 charge for every additional 30 minutes.

Household Utilities and Groceries

Essential household utilities in Boulder contribute to monthly expenditures. The average monthly electricity bill for residents is approximately $167. For a typical 915-square-foot apartment, combined utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, amount to about $237.77 per month. Internet services generally cost between $60 and $80 per month. Water utility rates in the City of Boulder saw an increase of about 7% for 2025, with charges based on a tiered consumption structure.

Grocery costs in Boulder can be higher than national averages. For a single person, monthly grocery expenses can range from $313 to $500. A family of four might spend between $1,018 and $1,500 per month on groceries. These costs are influenced by the prevalence of organic, fresh, and locally sourced products in the area.

Healthcare and Childcare Expenses

Healthcare expenses in Boulder are generally lower than the national average, with a cost index of 95.5 compared to the national average of 100. For individuals without employer-provided insurance, the average monthly premium for an unsubsidized health insurance plan in Colorado ranges from $380 to $405. However, many residents are eligible for subsidies through the Connect for Health Colorado marketplace, which can significantly reduce these premiums. A new patient office visit without insurance in Colorado can cost around $183, while a returning patient visit averages $127.

Childcare costs in Boulder are a notable expense for families. Full-time childcare averages approximately $2,755 per month in the city. For infants, the cost of care is even higher, averaging about $2,893 per month. The hourly rate for childcare providers in Boulder averages $21.34, with infant care providers averaging $22.16 per hour. These costs vary depending on the child’s age and the type of care selected.

Income and Tax Context

Understanding local income levels provides important context for the cost of living in Boulder. The median household income in Boulder was $85,364 in 2023. The average annual household income reached $140,662. For individuals, a recommended minimum annual income of $68,000 is suggested to live comfortably, while a family may require around $191,160 per year.

Taxation also impacts disposable income for Boulder residents. Colorado imposes a flat state income tax rate of 4.40%. The combined sales tax rate in Boulder is 9.05%, which includes the state sales tax of 2.9%, a county sales tax of 1.19%, a city sales tax of 3.86%, and additional special district taxes.