Boulder vs Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Boulder is 13% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,393/mo vs $1,576/mo in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue — saving $2,196/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Boulder | Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $912 | $1,044 | $132 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,165 | $1,322 | $157 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,393 | $1,576 | $183 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,797 | $1,978 | $181 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,079 | $2,418 | $339 |
| Median Income | $78,256 | $109,700 | $31,444 |
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
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue
- Studio
- $1,044/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,322/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,576/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,978/mo
- 4 BR
- $2,418/mo
- Median Income
- $109,700/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boulder or Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue cheaper to rent in?
Boulder is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,393/mo vs $1,576/mo in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue. That's $183/mo or $2,196/year more expensive in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue (13% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Boulder vs Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Boulder is $1,393/month. In Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,576/month.
How do incomes compare between Boulder and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
The median household income in Boulder is $78,256/year. In Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue it is $109,700/year. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Boulder vs Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Boulder is $912/mo. In Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue it is $1,044/mo.