Average Rent in Boulder, CO (2026)
The average 1-bedroom rent in Boulder, CO is $1,866/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 14 ZIP codes. Rents have changed -1.3% year over year. Rents range from $1,790 to $2,120.
Average Rent · 1-Bedroom
$1,866/mo
Source: HUD Fair Market Rent · 14 zip codes
Year-over-Year
↓ -1.3%
Source: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent
Data through
The average 1-bedroom rent in Boulder, CO is $1,866/month according to HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent data, covering 14 ZIP codes. Rents have decreased 1.3% year-over-year. The average 1-bedroom rent in Boulder is 56% above the national average of $1,196/month.
Average rent in Boulder, CO ranges from $1,790 to $2,120 across 14 ZIP codes.
Based on local market data, a fair rent increase in Boulder, CO is approximately 1.3% for 2026. An increase above 1.3% exceeds the local market trend and may be worth negotiating.
Key Facts
Sources: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent, HUD SAFMR, Rentcast. Updated February 2026.
How much is rent in Boulder, CO?
The average 1-bedroom rent in Boulder, CO is $1,866/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 14 ZIP codes. Rents range from $1,790 to $2,120 depending on neighborhood — a $330/month spread. To afford this at the 30% rule, a household would need approximately $74,640/year.
Is rent going up in Boulder?
Rents in Boulder have decreased 1.3% year over year based on local market data. Declining rents may give renters leverage when negotiating renewals.
What is a fair rent increase in Boulder?
Based on local market data, a rent increase around 1.3% is in line with the Boulder market for 2026. An increase above that level exceeds the local trend and may be worth pushing back on. Check your specific increase with RenewalReply's free rent analysis tool.
Rent Trends in Boulder
-1.3%
Rents in Boulder are cooling at -1.3% year-over-year.
ℹ Limited data
Market sources range from -5.1% to +6.7%
Why the range? Zillow ZORI tracks what landlords are asking for units (+1.6%), while Apartment List tracks what renters actually sign leases at (-5.1%).Landlords are asking more than renters are paying — this suggests renters may have negotiating leverage in Boulder right now.
Sources: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent
What Should Rent Cost in Boulder?
Typical rent ranges based on HUD benchmarks and market data. In areas with limited listing data, ranges reflect federal benchmarks and may be wider than actual market conditions.
A studio in Boulder typically rents for $1,616 – $1,745.
Rents above $2,007 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 1-bedroom in Boulder typically rents for $1,866 – $2,015.
Rents above $2,317 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 2-bedroom in Boulder typically rents for $2,209 – $2,386.
Rents above $2,744 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 3-bedroom in Boulder typically rents for $2,929 – $3,163.
Rents above $3,637 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 4-bedroom in Boulder typically rents for $3,368 – $3,637.
Rents above $4,183 are in the top 25% for this area.
Federal Rent Benchmarks for Boulder
HUD Fair Market Rents are federal rent benchmarks published annually by HUD. They provide a consistent baseline for comparing rents across areas.
Studio
$1,616
HUD Fair Market Rent
1-Bedroom
$1,866
HUD Fair Market Rent
2-Bedroom
$2,209
HUD Fair Market Rent
3-Bedroom
$2,929
HUD Fair Market Rent
4-Bedroom
$3,368
HUD Fair Market Rent
Source: HUD SAFMR FY2026 · Updated
Zip Codes in Boulder
Click any zip code for detailed rent data including zip-specific SAFMR rates, nearby comparables, and a free rent increase check.
SAFMR rates are zip-specific.
How Does Boulder Compare?
Questions about rent in Boulder
What is the average 1-bedroom rent in Boulder, CO?
The average 1-bedroom fair market rent in Boulder, CO is $1,866/month as of 2026, based on HUD rent data across 14 ZIP codes in the city. This is 56% above the national average of $1,196/month. Rents range from $1,790 to $2,120 depending on ZIP code.
What is a fair rent increase in Boulder?
A rent increase up to about 1.3% is broadly in line with the recent market trend in Boulder. Increases above that level are above trend and should be tested against neighborhood-level pricing and comparable rentals. The current average 1-BR rent is $1,866/month.
Are rents going up or down in Boulder?
Rents in Boulder have decreased 1.3% year over year based on local market data. This reflects local market conditions across 14 ZIP codes in the Boulder, CO MSA area.
How much do rents vary across Boulder?
1-bedroom rents across Boulder range from $1,790 to $2,120 on this page, a $330/month spread. This shows that rent can vary materially across ZIP codes within the same city, reflecting neighborhood-level differences in housing stock and demand.
Can my landlord raise my rent in Boulder?
We could not identify a city-specific rent cap for Boulder. Landlords must still follow applicable state and local notice rules before raising rent at lease renewal. Requirements vary — check your state's landlord-tenant statute for specifics on notice periods and timing.
How much should I spend on rent in Boulder?
The general guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. With average 1-bedroom rent in Boulder at $1,866/month, a household would need approximately $74,640/year in gross income to afford this comfortably. Many renters in high-cost areas spend above this threshold — our free tool can help you assess whether your specific rent is fair for your ZIP code.
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Renter Tools
Browse Boulder ZIP Codes
See rent data by ZIP code in this city.
Renter Guides
- How to Negotiate a Rent Increase →
A data-driven guide with free email templates for pushing back on your landlord.
- Rent Increase Laws in Colorado →
See notice rules, caps, and tenant protections in Colorado.
- What Should I Pay for Rent? →
How to compare rent prices and know if you're getting a fair deal.
Market data updated monthly from public and third-party sources. Actual rents vary by unit, building, and lease terms. For informational purposes only — not legal or financial advice. See methodology →