Broomfield, CO vs. Boulder, CO: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Broomfield vs Boulder. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Broomfield vs Boulder in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference between Broomfield and Boulder. Here’s how typical housing expenses compare:
| Housing Type | Broomfield | Boulder |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,800 | $2,400 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $550,000 | $950,000 |
🏆 Winner: Broomfield. Housing costs are significantly lower in Broomfield compared to Boulder, with a typical household potentially saving $600 per month on rent or over $400,000 when buying a home.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities, but Broomfield has slightly lower rates:
- In Broomfield, expect to pay around $180 per month for electricity, gas, water, and trash for a 2BR apartment.
- Boulder utility costs average closer to $200 monthly for the same sized home.
- Both cities have seasonal shifts, with summer A/C and winter heating adding $40-50 to monthly bills.
🏆 Winner: Broomfield. While not a huge difference, Broomfield utility costs do come out slightly ahead.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are very comparable between Broomfield and Boulder. Expect to spend around $400 per month on groceries for a single person, or $1,100 for a family of four in either city.
Eating out is slightly pricier in Boulder, with dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant averaging $80, versus $65 in Broomfield. But fast casual and chain restaurant prices are nearly identical.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Grocery costs are almost equal, with only slightly higher restaurant prices in Boulder.
4. Taxes and Fees
Colorado has a flat 4.55% income tax rate statewide. However, property taxes and local fees vary between Broomfield and Boulder:
- Broomfield has lower property taxes, averaging 0.6% vs Boulder’s 0.8%.
- Many neighborhoods in Broomfield have HOA fees that include landscaping, trash, and amenities. These average $250-400 monthly.
- Boulder has fewer neighborhoods with HOAs, but slightly higher city service fees like the Climate Action Plan (CAP) tax.
🏆 Winner: Broomfield. The lower property tax rate gives Broomfield the overall advantage, even with common HOA fees.
5. Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Broomfield | Boulder |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent) | $1,800 | $2,400 |
| Utilities | $180 | $200 |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 |
| Transportation | $60 | $80 |
| Taxes (4.55% income) | Varies | Varies |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $600 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,940 | $3,680 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
Beyond just cost of living, consider how each city’s lifestyle matches your preferences:
- Broomfield offers more space for your money, with larger apartments and homes common. It’s ideal for families or those wanting a suburban lifestyle.
- Boulder has a vibrant, walkable downtown perfect for young professionals. But urban living comes with less square footage and higher costs.
- Commuting from Broomfield to Denver or Boulder is common, while Boulder residents can often bike to work. Traffic noise and volume is much higher in Boulder.
Quick Fact: Boulder averages 20″ more snow annually than Broomfield, an important factor for winter-weather fans.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Broomfield more affordable than Boulder? Yes, Broomfield offers a lower cost of living, especially for housing.
- Which city has lower rent? Rent prices are significantly cheaper in Broomfield, around 25% lower on average than Boulder.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Broomfield home prices are much lower than Boulder, with a typical house costing over $400,000 less.
8. Conclusion
While both cities provide a high quality of life, Broomfield is the clear winner for affordability. Households can save hundreds per month on core costs compared to Boulder.
Broomfield is ideal for families, offering more space for your dollar and great suburban amenities. Professionals wanting an urban lifestyle and walkable downtown may prefer Boulder, but should budget accordingly for the higher cost of living.
Considering a move to Broomfield or Boulder? Explore these resources to plan your budget: