Salary Needed to Live in Boulder as a Single
A single adult living independently needs approximately $27,848/year to live comfortably in Boulder, CO — including 10% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$27,848
with 10% savings
Bare Minimum
$24,033
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$1,462
35% above national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Single in Boulder
| Expense | Boulder | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Studio/1BR Rent | $175 | $113 | +55% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $29 | $17 | +71% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $17 | $14 | +21% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $30 | $26 | +15% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $224 | $215 | +4% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $52 | $54 | -4% |
| Internet | $94 | $65 | +45% |
| Phone | $123 | $85 | +45% |
| Dining & Social | $435 | $300 | +45% |
| Entertainment | $174 | $120 | +45% |
| Personal Care | $109 | $75 | +45% |
| Total Monthly | $1,462 | $1,084 | +35% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$1,462
Target savings (10%):$188/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$1,650
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$27,848
Other Household Types in Boulder
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a single person need in Boulder?
A single person needs approximately $27,848/year ($2,321/month gross) to live comfortably in Boulder with a 10% savings rate.
How much is rent for a single person in Boulder?
A studio/1br in Boulder costs approximately $175/month, which is the largest single expense at 12% of the total budget.
Is Boulder affordable for a single person?
Boulder is above the national average for single person living costs, requiring 35% more salary than the US median.