Average Rent in Boulder, CO↓ Rents falling 7.1% YoY🔺 5th priciest in CO

Boulder, CO has rental prices ranging from $1,466/month to $3,092/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,702/month — 22% above the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $102,772/year, spending $1,702/month on a 1-bedroom represents 20% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Boulder Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $2,059/month, Boulder ranks #5 most expensive of the 55 cities tracked in Colorado — pricier than 98% of all US cities in our data.

The Boulder Rental Market

The Boulder, CO area has a population of about 328,317 and 38% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Boulder, CO have fallen by $158/month (7.1%) over the past year, from $2,217 to $2,059. This slight decline is consistent with broader market corrections seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Boulder, CO without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $68,080. The local median household income of $102,772 exceeds that threshold by $34,692, making Boulder relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Boulder, CO is $971,332, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 39.3. With a break-even horizon of approximately 39 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Boulder's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Keewaydin ($401,532 median home value), Buena Vista ($436,280 median home value), Tantra Park ($458,779 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Boulder, CO Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Boulder?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Boulder

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.