Salary Needed to Live in Boulder as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $85,655/year to live comfortably in Boulder, CO — including 15% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$85,655
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$68,055
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$4,140
42% above national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Boulder
| Expense | Boulder | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $325 | $209 | +56% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $74 | $44 | +68% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $34 | $28 | +21% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $51 | $44 | +16% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $224 | $215 | +4% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $52 | $54 | -4% |
| Childcare/After-school | $1,740 | $1,200 | +45% |
| Internet + Phones | $261 | $180 | +45% |
| Children Activities | $363 | $250 | +45% |
| Dining Out | $508 | $350 | +45% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $290 | $200 | +45% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $218 | $150 | +45% |
| Total Monthly | $4,140 | $2,924 | +42% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$4,140
Target savings (15%):$920/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$5,060
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$85,655
Other Household Types in Boulder
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in Boulder?
A family with kids needs approximately $85,655/year ($7,138/month gross) to live comfortably in Boulder with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Boulder?
A 3br apartment/house in Boulder costs approximately $325/month, which is the largest single expense at 8% of the total budget.
Is Boulder affordable for a family with kids?
Boulder is above the national average for family with kids living costs, requiring 42% more salary than the US median.