Quick answer
🟡 Yes, but tightly. A data analyst in Boulder earns roughly $123,461/yr (~$6,785/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,850/mo — that's 27% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
CO · 2026
Can a Data Analyst Afford to Live in Boulder?
Using local salary estimates and Boulder's actual cost of living — rent, taxes, utilities, and groceries — here's the real monthly picture for a data analyst in Boulder, CO in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$123,461/yr local estimate
$10,288
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
4.4% state income tax
-$3,503
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$6,785
1BR rent
27% of take-home
-$1,850
Utilities
Electric, gas, internet avg
-$145
Groceries
Single-person estimate
-$380
Transport
Car or transit average
-$350
Left for everything else
Dining, clothing, fun, savings
$4,060
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a data analyst in Boulder could save roughly $19,488/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 27% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 27% of take-home pay, a data analyst in Boulder is near the limit. Livable, but there's little buffer for emergencies or lifestyle upgrades.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $123,461/yr — adjusted from the national Data Analyst median of $103,500/yr based on Boulder's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in Boulder for a Data Analyst
Based on walkability, rent levels, and quality of life — not just lowest price.
Pearl Street / Downtown
Walkable, vibrant, tourist-heavy. Coffee shops, restaurants, and street performers line the pedestrian mall. Rents premium but foot traffic is constant.
North Boulder
Tree-lined residential streets, family-friendly, near Wonderland Lake Park. Quieter than downtown with good schools; home prices average $1.4M.
Bouldin Creek
Upscale neighborhood with large homes and sprawling properties. Parks nearby; commute to downtown is 15 minutes. Popular with executives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Data Analyst in Boulder?
A Data Analyst in Boulder earns approximately $123,461 per year, based on the national BLS median of $103,500/yr adjusted for Boulder's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Boulder affordable for a data analyst in 2026?
Manageable. Rent takes 27% of take-home, which is right at the limit. A data analyst can make it work but should keep other expenses lean.
How much take-home pay does a Data Analyst get in Boulder?
After federal taxes, 4.4% state income tax, and FICA, a Data Analyst earning $123,461/yr takes home roughly $6,785/month in Boulder.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Data Analyst in Boulder?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Boulder costs a median of $1,850/month. On a Data Analyst salary, that's 27% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.