Salary Needed to Live in Boulder as a Couple
A couple sharing expenses without children needs approximately $39,285/year to live comfortably in Boulder, CO — including 12% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$39,285
with 12% savings
Bare Minimum
$32,827
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$1,997
38% above national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Couple in Boulder
| Expense | Boulder | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 1-2BR Apartment Rent | $212 | $137 | +55% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $45 | $27 | +67% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $23 | $19 | +21% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $41 | $35 | +17% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $224 | $215 | +4% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $52 | $54 | -4% |
| Internet | $94 | $65 | +45% |
| Phone (×2) | $203 | $140 | +45% |
| Dining & Social | $653 | $450 | +45% |
| Entertainment | $261 | $180 | +45% |
| Personal Care (×2) | $189 | $130 | +45% |
| Total Monthly | $1,997 | $1,452 | +38% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$1,997
Target savings (12%):$326/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$2,323
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$39,285
Other Household Types in Boulder
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a couple (no kids) need in Boulder?
A couple (no kids) needs approximately $39,285/year ($3,274/month gross) to live comfortably in Boulder with a 12% savings rate.
How much is rent for a couple (no kids) in Boulder?
A 1-2br apartment in Boulder costs approximately $212/month, which is the largest single expense at 11% of the total budget.
Is Boulder affordable for a couple (no kids)?
Boulder is above the national average for couple (no kids) living costs, requiring 38% more salary than the US median.