Quick answer
✅ Yes — comfortably. A physician assistant in Boulder earns roughly $150,312/yr (~$8,261/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,850/mo — that's 22% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
CO · 2026
Can a Physician Assistant 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 physician assistant in Boulder, CO in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$150,312/yr local estimate
$12,526
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
4.4% state income tax
-$4,265
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$8,261
1BR rent
22% 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
$5,536
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a physician assistant in Boulder could save roughly $26,568/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 22% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 22% of take-home pay, a physician assistant in Boulder is well within a healthy range — leaving solid room for savings and discretionary spending.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $150,312/yr — adjusted from the national Physician Assistant median of $126,010/yr based on Boulder's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in Boulder for a Physician Assistant
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 Physician Assistant in Boulder?
A Physician Assistant in Boulder earns approximately $150,312 per year, based on the national BLS median of $126,010/yr adjusted for Boulder's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Boulder affordable for a physician assistant in 2026?
Yes. Rent takes around 22% of take-home pay — below the 30% guideline. A physician assistant can live comfortably in Boulder with room to save.
How much take-home pay does a Physician Assistant get in Boulder?
After federal taxes, 4.4% state income tax, and FICA, a Physician Assistant earning $150,312/yr takes home roughly $8,261/month in Boulder.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Physician Assistant in Boulder?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Boulder costs a median of $1,850/month. On a Physician Assistant salary, that's 22% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.