Salary Needed to Live in Boulder as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $29,012/year to live comfortably in Boulder, CO — including 5% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$29,012
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$27,025
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$1,644
36% above national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Boulder
| Expense | Boulder | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $187 | $121 | +55% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $26 | $16 | +63% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $18 | $15 | +20% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $20 | $18 | +11% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $224 | $215 | +4% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $52 | $54 | -4% |
| Medicare Supplement | $290 | $200 | +45% |
| Prescription Drugs | $218 | $150 | +45% |
| Internet + Phone | $174 | $120 | +45% |
| Recreation & Social | $290 | $200 | +45% |
| Home Maintenance | $145 | $100 | +45% |
| Total Monthly | $1,644 | $1,209 | +36% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$1,644
Target savings (5%):$93/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$1,737
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$29,012
Other Household Types in Boulder
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Boulder?
A retiree needs approximately $29,012/year ($2,418/month gross) to live comfortably in Boulder with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in Boulder?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in Boulder costs approximately $187/month, which is the largest single expense at 11% of the total budget.
Is Boulder affordable for a retiree?
Boulder is above the national average for retiree living costs, requiring 36% more salary than the US median.