Boulder vs San Luis Obispo
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Boulder is 17% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,393/mo vs $1,623/mo in San Luis Obispo — saving $2,760/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Boulder | San Luis Obispo | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $912 | $1,065 | $153 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,165 | $1,360 | $195 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,393 | $1,623 | $230 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,797 | $2,039 | $242 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,079 | $2,372 | $293 |
| Median Income | $78,256 | $94,761 | $16,505 |
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 Luis Obispo
- Studio
- $1,065/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,360/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,623/mo
- 3 BR
- $2,039/mo
- 4 BR
- $2,372/mo
- Median Income
- $94,761/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boulder or San Luis Obispo cheaper to rent in?
Boulder is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,393/mo vs $1,623/mo in San Luis Obispo. That's $230/mo or $2,760/year more expensive in San Luis Obispo (17% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Boulder vs San Luis Obispo?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Boulder is $1,393/month. In San Luis Obispo, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,623/month.
How do incomes compare between Boulder and San Luis Obispo?
The median household income in Boulder is $78,256/year. In San Luis Obispo it is $94,761/year. San Luis Obispo has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Boulder vs San Luis Obispo?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Boulder is $912/mo. In San Luis Obispo it is $1,065/mo.