Cost of Living in Boulder
Premium lifestyle anchor · Independent city
What it costs to live in Boulder
Adjust the sliders for your situation. Ranges reflect uncertainty in HOA and metro district fees, narrower is more confident.
Based on your inputs below
Assumes 20% down, 30-year fixed at 6.5% (as of 2026-04-22).
Housing$5,625 – $6,025 | |
|---|---|
| Mortgage (6.5%, 20% down) | $4,804 |
| Property tax | $504 |
| HOA | $0 – $200 |
| Insurance | $317 |
| Metro district fees | not yet verified |
Transportation$636 | |
|---|---|
| Car payments (your input) | $500 |
| Gas (~48 min to downtown) | $136 |
Utilities$345 | |
|---|---|
| Electric & gas (Xcel Energy (electric & gas)) | $205 |
| Water (City of Boulder Utilities) | $70 |
| Internet | $70 |
Groceries$650 | |
|---|---|
| Monthly estimate | $650 |
Housing figures updated April 2026. Confidence: medium.
Somewhat Walkable, some errands on foot
Housing Market
- Median Home Price
- ~$940K+
- Data Year
- 2026
Tax Rates
- Property Tax Rate
- ~0.55–0.60% (varies by taxing district · mill levy ~65–95 total)
- Sales Tax Rate
- 8.845% combined (City 3.86% + State + County + RTD)
- Vehicle Registration
- Standard Colorado
- State Income Tax Impact
- 4.4% flat
- Cost of Living vs National
- 41% above national average (housing-driven)
Monthly Costs
- Water Provider
- City of Boulder Utilities
- Electric & Gas
- Xcel Energy (electric & gas)
- Internet Providers
- Comcast/Xfinity, CenturyLink/Lumen fiber, T-Mobile Home Internet
- Trash & Recycling
- City of Boulder services, curbside recycling + composting
- Snow Removal
- City plows arterials; HOAs and residents handle local streets
Income & Cost Context
- Cost of Living Index
- 141 (BestPlaces · 41% above national average)
- Avg Childcare Cost
- $1,500–$2,800/mo (infant care at high end)
Common QuestionsFAQ, Boulder
What is the median home price in Boulder?
Boulder’s median home price is approximately $940K or higher as of 2026. Entry-level single-family homes often start at $1M+. The premium reflects proximity to CU Boulder, the Flatirons, and access to Boulder Valley School District (#2 in CO).
What is the cost of living in Boulder?
Boulder’s cost of living index is 141, or 41% above the national average, driven primarily by housing costs. The property tax rate ranges from 0.55% to 0.60% depending on taxing district, and the combined sales tax rate is 8.845%. Colorado has a flat 4.4% state income tax rate.
Estimates for informational purposes only, not financial advice. Actual costs vary by specific property, subdivision, and household.