MoveMap

Moving to Boulder

What you need to know before relocating to Boulder, Colorado. Data-driven insights on housing, jobs, safety, and quality of life.

Is Boulder a Good Place to Live?

Boulder presents a mixed picture. Prospective residents should weigh the tradeoffs carefully. Key considerations: rent ($1,915/mo) is above the national average; home prices ($763,600) are above the us median.

Boulder at a Glance

Population
327K
Median Income
$95,363
Median Rent
$1,915/mo
Median Home Price
$763,600
Unemployment
3.2%
Avg Commute
126056 min

Cost of Living in Boulder

The median rent in Boulder is $1,915/month, while the median home value is $763,600. With a median household income of $95,363, residents spend roughly 24% of monthly income on rent.

Overall, the Boulder metro area is classified as average compared to other US metros.

Rent vs. National Avg
37% above
Home Price vs. National Avg
150% above

Job Market

Boulder has a median household income of $95,363, which is 28% above the national median. The local unemployment rate is 3.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%.

Safety in Boulder

The violent crime rate in Boulder is 474 per 100,000 residents, which is 25% above the national average of 380.

Property crime rate: 2879 per 100,000 residents.

Education in Colorado

Colorado has a high school graduation rate of 90% and per-pupil spending of $16,410/year. The student-to-teacher ratio is 17:1.

46% of Colorado adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Healthcare Access

Colorado has 268 physicians per 100,000 residents, a 6.7% uninsured rate, and 2.3 hospital beds per 1,000 people. Life expectancy in Colorado is 78.4 years.

Pros and Cons of Living in Boulder

+Pros

  • ✓Median household income ($95,363) exceeds the national median
  • ✓Low uninsured rate (6.7%) and good healthcare access

-Cons

  • ✗Rent ($1,915/mo) is above the national average
  • ✗Home prices ($763,600) are above the US median
  • ✗Longer-than-average commute (126056 min)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boulder a good place to live?⌄

Boulder has both advantages and drawbacks. Prospective residents should weigh rent ($1,915/mo) is above the national average and home prices ($763,600) are above the us median against other lifestyle factors.

What is the cost of living in Boulder?⌄

The median rent in Boulder is $1,915/month and the median home value is $763,600. The median household income is $95,363. Overall the metro is considered average.

Is Boulder safe?⌄

Boulder has a violent crime rate of 474 incidents per 100,000 residents. The national average is approximately 380 per 100,000.

What is the job market like in Boulder?⌄

Boulder has an unemployment rate of 3.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. The median household income is $95,363.

Explore More About Boulder