Boulder, CO Rental Market
Boulder is one of the most intellectually and economically dynamic small cities in the United States, anchored by the University of Colorado Boulder, a world-class research university with a strong STEM focus, and a dense ecosystem of technology startups, aerospace companies, and federal research laboratories including NCAR, NIST, and NOAA's Boulder campus. Geographic constraints — the city is surrounded by open space preserves that severely limit new development — have created extreme supply scarcity that keeps rents elevated and vacancies minimal.
Get a rent estimate for an address in BoulderAverage Rent in Boulder, CO
$2,150
per month · 2026-06
Market Score
Key Facts — Boulder, CO Rental Market
- Average rent in Boulder, CO:$2,150/mo
- Median rent:$1,978/mo
- Rent range:$1,075 – $4,750/mo
- Most common rental (2 bedrooms):$1,900/mo
- Active listings:680
- Avg days to lease:24 days
- Year-over-year change:+2.5%
- Median home value:$750,000
- Est. gross annual yield:3.4%
- Data as of:2026-06
Rent by Bedroom in Boulder, CO
Average monthly rent for each bedroom type based on current active listings in Boulder.
| Bedroom Type | Avg Rent/mo |
|---|---|
1 Bedroom | $1,550/mo |
2 Bedrooms | $1,900/mo |
3 Bedrooms | $2,400/mo |
4 Bedrooms | $2,975/mo |
5 Bedrooms | $3,400/mo |
Boulder Rental Market Statistics
Key indicators from the current Boulder, CO rental market.
680
Available now in Boulder
24
From list to lease
$1.54
Average across listings
1,400 sq ft
Typical rental size
$1,075 – $4,750
Min to max active listings
+2.5%
Avg rent vs. prior year
Investing in Boulder, CO Rental Properties
Estimated returns based on current market rents and median home values. Perform full due diligence before investing.
Median Home Value
$750,000
Typical purchase price in Boulder
Est. Gross Annual Yield
3.4%
Before expenses & vacancy
Avg Monthly Income
$2,150
At average market rent
Gross yield = (avg rent × 12) ÷ median home value. Does not include expenses, financing, vacancies, or management fees. Analyze a specific property in Boulder for a full cash-flow breakdown including all costs.
Boulder, CO Rental Market FAQ
Common questions about renting and investing in Boulder, CO.
What is the average rent in Boulder, CO?
The average rent in Boulder, CO is $2,150 per month as of 2026 — the highest in our Colorado coverage. One-bedroom apartments average $1,550/mo, two-bedrooms average $1,900/mo, and three-bedroom homes average $2,400/mo. The Hill neighborhood near CU, downtown Pearl Street, and south Boulder near Table Mesa command premium rents, with luxury units near Flatirons Vista often exceeding $3,500/mo.
Is Boulder, CO a good place to invest in rental property?
Boulder's 3.4% estimated gross yield reflects its extreme home valuations — a $750,000 median makes it one of Colorado's most expensive markets by far. However, supply is structurally constrained by the city's open space acquisition program and building height limits, which means existing rental properties maintain exceptional occupancy. Boulder is suited for high-net-worth investors prioritizing capital preservation and modest appreciation in a supply-constrained environment.
How competitive is the Boulder, CO rental market?
Boulder is among the most supply-constrained rental markets in the Mountain West, averaging just 24 days on market across only 680 active listings. CU Boulder's students and faculty, federal lab researchers, and tech startup workers all compete for a limited housing pool that strict zoning prevents from expanding significantly. Quality properties near campus or downtown Pearl Street can often lease within days of listing, frequently without price negotiation.
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