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Can You Afford a Studio in Boulder? The Salary Math.

HUD does not publish a separate FMR for a studio in Boulder. The closest published figure is the 2-bedroom at $0/month, which we use as a proxy.HUD FMR data is not available for Boulder. This page uses regional estimates.

HUD FMR data is not available for Boulder. This page uses regional estimates.

Salary thresholds at the HUD FMR of $0/month

Rent burden based on estimated take-home after federal, state, and FICA taxes (single filer). Verdict uses 30% rule.

PercentileAnnual salaryMonthly take-homeRent burdenVerdict
Entry-level (10th pct.)$86,150$5,4680%Comfortable
Early career (25th pct.)$104,290$6,4650%Comfortable
Median$130,310$7,8700%Comfortable
Experienced (75th pct.)$158,580$9,3760%Comfortable
Top earners (90th pct.)$211,770$12,3990%Comfortable

Verdict guide: Comfortable <25% | OK 25-30% | Stretch 30-40% | Too much >40%

Jobs that pay enough to afford a Studio in Boulder

These occupations have median salaries that keep rent under 30% of take-home.

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
$130,310/yr median
Building Cleaning Workers, All Other
$48,700/yr median
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
$66,140/yr median
Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation
$51,270/yr median
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
$60,370/yr median
Marriage and Family Therapists
$60,700/yr median
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity
$66,840/yr median
Computer Systems Analysts
$132,750/yr median

Keep exploring Boulder

Top paying jobs in BoulderCost of living in BoulderCan you afford a 1-bedroom?Can you afford a 3-bedroom?

Frequently asked questions

What salary do you need to afford a studio in Boulder?
Salary data for Boulder is not yet available. Check back soon or browse similar metros.
How much is the HUD Fair Market Rent for a studio in Boulder?
HUD does not publish a separate FMR for a studio in Boulder. The closest published figure is the 2-bedroom at $0/month.
Is Boulder expensive for renters?
Regional price data for Boulder isn't published yet. Rent at the HUD FMR of $0/month is the best affordability signal we have for this metro.
What percentage of income should go to rent?
The standard guideline is 30% of your gross monthly income before taxes. Go above that and you risk being "rent-burdened," which the Census Bureau defines as spending more than 30% of income on housing costs. Budget carefully if your rent burden sits above 40%.
Which jobs pay enough to afford rent in Boulder?
The following occupations in Boulder have median salaries that keep studio rent under 30% of take-home pay: Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists, Building Cleaning Workers, All Other, Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks, Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation, Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Marriage and Family Therapists, Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity, Computer Systems Analysts.

Source data is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and other federal agencies. AffordMap is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. Per BLS policy, "BLS.gov cannot vouch for the data or analyses derived from these data after the data have been retrieved from BLS.gov."

Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you click through and take action, AffordMap may receive compensation at no cost to you. This never influences the salary data, cost-of-living figures, or calculations shown, all data comes from U.S. government sources. See our full disclosure.