Boulder vs San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Boulder is 58% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,393/mo vs $2,200/mo in San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley — saving $9,684/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Boulder | San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $912 | $1,456 | $544 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,165 | $1,848 | $683 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,393 | $2,200 | $807 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,797 | $2,832 | $1,035 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,079 | $3,149 | $1,070 |
| Median Income | $78,256 | $147,497 | $69,241 |
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
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley
- Studio
- $1,456/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,848/mo
- 2 BR
- $2,200/mo
- 3 BR
- $2,832/mo
- 4 BR
- $3,149/mo
- Median Income
- $147,497/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boulder or San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley cheaper to rent in?
Boulder is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,393/mo vs $2,200/mo in San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley. That's $807/mo or $9,684/year more expensive in San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley (58% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Boulder vs San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Boulder is $1,393/month. In San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, a 2-bedroom FMR is $2,200/month.
How do incomes compare between Boulder and San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley?
The median household income in Boulder is $78,256/year. In San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley it is $147,497/year. San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Boulder vs San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Boulder is $912/mo. In San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley it is $1,456/mo.