Is Denver, CO cheaper than Boulder, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 4.5% more expensive than Boulder, CO. This translates to spending an extra $341 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Boulder, CO?

If you earn $150,000 in Boulder, CO, you'd need approximately $154,092.335 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boulder, CO and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 16.2% more expensive than in Boulder, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,862/month in Boulder, CO.

How much can I save per month by moving from Boulder, CO to Denver, CO?

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $341 more per month than Boulder, CO, or $4092 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Boulder, CO vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Boulder, CO — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Denver, CO area

Current salary in Boulder, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $341/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.1K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO area

Overall Cost

↑ 4.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$341

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$4.1K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Boulder, CO

Population:106K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$938K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:105

Median Home:$513K

Boulder, CO

The Centennial State

106K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Colorado, this city has a population of 106K residents.

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Boulder, CO vs Denver, CO

Category	Boulder, CO	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,796/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $452more	16.2%
📦Other	$1,697/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $77.18more	4.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,398/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $63.57more	4.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,007/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $22.63more	2.2%
🏥Healthcare	$618/mo	$632/mo	↑ $13.90more	2.2%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$519/mo	↑ $11.41more	2.2%

🏠Housing

↑ 16.2%

Boulder, CO

$2,796

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$452

📦Other

↑ 4.5%

Boulder, CO

$1,697

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$77.18

🚗Transportation

↑ 4.5%

Boulder, CO

$1,398

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$63.57

🛒Groceries

↑ 2.2%

Boulder, CO

$1,007

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$22.63

🏥Healthcare

↑ 2.2%

Boulder, CO

$618

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$13.90

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.2%

Boulder, CO

$508

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$11.41

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

Boulder, CO has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,362

To$1,720

↑ $358

1 Bed

From$1,573

To$1,840

↑ $267

2 Bed

From$1,862

To$2,190

↑ $328

3 Bed

From$2,472

To$2,870

↑ $398

Boulder, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,910–$1,960/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,024

Monthly in Boulder, CO

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$641

Difference

Home Values

Boulder

Denver

$938K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -2.6%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +18.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$695K - $1.18M

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 45% less expensive than Boulder

Calculate payment - Boulder Calculate payment - Denver

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Boulder, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Boulder, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.