Boulder vs San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Boulder is 73% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,393/mo vs $2,412/mo in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara — saving $12,228/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Boulder | San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $912 | $1,628 | $716 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,165 | $1,961 | $796 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,393 | $2,412 | $1,019 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,797 | $3,087 | $1,290 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,079 | $3,450 | $1,371 |
| Median Income | $78,256 | $167,314 | $89,058 |
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 Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara
- Studio
- $1,628/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,961/mo
- 2 BR
- $2,412/mo
- 3 BR
- $3,087/mo
- 4 BR
- $3,450/mo
- Median Income
- $167,314/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boulder or San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara cheaper to rent in?
Boulder is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,393/mo vs $2,412/mo in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara. That's $1,019/mo or $12,228/year more expensive in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara (73% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Boulder vs San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Boulder is $1,393/month. In San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, a 2-bedroom FMR is $2,412/month.
How do incomes compare between Boulder and San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
The median household income in Boulder is $78,256/year. In San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara it is $167,314/year. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Boulder vs San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Boulder is $912/mo. In San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara it is $1,628/mo.