Boulder vs Salem
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Salem is 23% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,137/mo vs $1,393/mo in Boulder — saving $3,072/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Boulder | Salem | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $912 | $741 | $171 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,165 | $913 | $252 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,393 | $1,137 | $256 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,797 | $1,411 | $386 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,079 | $1,615 | $464 |
| Median Income | $78,256 | $53,953 | $24,303 |
Boulder
- Studio
- $912/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,165/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,393/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,797/mo
- 4 BR
- $2,079/mo
- Median Income
- $78,256/yr
Salem
- Studio
- $741/mo
- 1 BR
- $913/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,137/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,411/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,615/mo
- Median Income
- $53,953/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boulder or Salem cheaper to rent in?
Salem is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,137/mo vs $1,393/mo in Boulder. That's $256/mo or $3,072/year more expensive in Boulder (23% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Boulder vs Salem?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Boulder is $1,393/month. In Salem, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,137/month.
How do incomes compare between Boulder and Salem?
The median household income in Boulder is $78,256/year. In Salem it is $53,953/year. Boulder has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Boulder vs Salem?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Boulder is $912/mo. In Salem it is $741/mo.