Cost of living in Boulder
Boulder, Colorado, is known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant community. Understanding the cost of living in Boulder is crucial for anyone considering moving to or living in this dynamic city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $21 on average, with a range between $13 and $30.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $82.5, with prices ranging from $50 to $120.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10, with a range between $9 and $12.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $6 to $9, imported beer $7 to $10, cappuccino $3.25 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.53 and $1.85 per liter, averaging $1.04.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.2 and $6.61, with an average price of $3.19.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2 to $6, averaging $4.31.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.84 to $6.59 per kg, while oranges range from $2.2 to $8.82 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.72 and $8.82 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.49 to $5 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2.75 and $5, with a monthly pass priced between $88 and $200.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.71 and $1.05 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.5, with a cost of $1.4 per km and $24 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1500 to $2400, averaging $1862.5.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1200 to $2200, averaging $1512.5.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2300 to $5000, averaging $3625.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2100 to $3200, averaging $2742.86.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $4392 to $10763.91, averaging $7204.75.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $4392 to $4843.76, averaging $4542.59.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $134.21 and $300, averaging $192.37.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $80, with an average cost of $69.38.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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"Key Takeaways"
Boulder offers a high quality of life with a cost of living that reflects its desirability. Housing is one of the most significant expenses, especially in the city centre.
Dining out can be costly, but there are options for various budgets. Public transportation is relatively affordable, though owning a car can add to monthly expenses.
Grocery prices are moderate, with some variation in costs for fresh produce and meats. Utilities and internet services are in line with national averages.
Conclusion
Living in Boulder, CO, comes with a premium, particularly in terms of housing and dining. However, the city's vibrant lifestyle and natural beauty offer a compelling trade-off.
For those considering a move to Boulder, it's essential to budget carefully, especially for housing and transportation. With thoughtful planning, residents can enjoy all that Boulder has to offer while managing their expenses effectively.