Looking for a change? Looking for a city that has a bit of everything? With bustling downtowns, beautiful vistas, and access to globally recognized arts, food, and culture scenes, Denver and Boulder, Colorado may offer exactly what you desire in your next hometown.
Whether you are new to the state or a native Coloradan moving internally, finding the right place for you personally and professionally can feel overwhelming. That’s why AptAmigo breaks down the main similarities and differences between two of Colorado’s most prominent and appealing cities: Denver and Boulder.
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Living in Denver Vs. Boulder: Which City Is a Better Match for You?
Cost of Living & Housing Situation
Denver:
Although the overall cost of living in Denver is 11% higher than the national average, as you’ll see below, you get to enjoy a vibrant city life here. Keep in mind, though, that the housing market in Denver remains consistently more competitive than most. Luckily, at AptAmigo, we know the ins and outs of housing in Denver, and our experienced and knowledgeable team can help you find the perfect place to match your needs and budget.
Boulder:
With an average cost of living that holds steady at around 36% higher than the national average, Boulder is a more expensive city than Denver. Though both cities possess a wonderfully diverse housing market, the higher cost of living in Boulder drives steeper competition. This situation makes it all the more essential that you do your research when choosing to call one of these two beautiful cities home.
Lifestyle & Culture
Denver:
With its burgeoning food and culture scene and its immediate access to world-class mountaineering, hiking, biking, rock climbing, kayaking, skiing, and other nature-lovers’ sports, Denver ranks as a top choice for young and active millennials and up-and-coming Gen Zers. Its size, relative affordability, rapidly expanding job market, and beautiful weather also make this city an attractive place for those looking to start a career and family.
Boulder:
Similarly, Boulder is a community rooted in arts, culture, and the outdoors. With its tech start-ups, growing craft beer scene, and easy access to the extensive natural paradise of Colorado, Boulder has historically ranked as one of the happiest and fittest places to live in all of the US.
Job Market in Denver Vs. Boulder
Denver:
Expansive growth within the tech startup and marijuana industries in addition to the strong job market provided by several higher education institutions and extensive tourism, makes Denver a great place to find work. Denver’s unemployment hovers slightly below the national average, while its average salary is roughly 14% higher.
Boulder:
The thriving tech industry in Boulder provides abundant job opportunities and, in some instances, campuses for Google, IBM, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, and other tech giants. Similar to Denver, it also offers higher education job opportunities and an extensive outdoor activity-centric tourism industry. Boulder is also a leader in aerospace due to the presence of NDP/Braxton, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin jobs. All of these businesses create a job market that is currently and will continue to be, better than the national average.
Traffic & Public Transportation Options
Denver:
Denver is known for grueling, traffic-laden commutes. However, the Regional Transportation District (RTD) also operates an extensive network of buses and light-rail trains and works constantly to make Denver more accessible for all by expanding their options while lowering costs.
Boulder:
With a much smaller population growing at a slower rate than Denver, traffic is not as much of an issue in Boulder. However, it also offers fewer options in terms of public transportation and availability.
Things to Do in Denver Vs. Boulder
Denver:
From the Denver Art Museum to Meow Wolf, Confluence Park to the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the remarkable restaurant scene and nightlife to the great outdoors, Denver entertains every visitor and resident no matter their interests.
Boulder:
Similarly, in Boulder, you could fill a weekend, or a lifetime, with endless excursions and adventures. Explore Pearl Street, hike the Flatirons, attend a show at the Boulder Theatre, or stock up on produce at the local farmers’ market.
Part of what draws people from outside of Colorado to these two cities is their remarkably diverse and expansive activities despite their relatively small size.
Food Scene
Denver:
Two of the New York Times’ best restaurants of 2023 are located in Denver. Add to that several Michelin-starred restaurants, an expansive network of farm-to-table establishments, and a remarkably diverse culinary scene, and you can see how Denver satiates even the most discerning of palates.
Boulder:
Boulder serves up the highest level of culinary excellence, with a decidedly health-food-focused twist. The region’s extensive network of breweries, farms, cafes, and restaurants both influence and elevate the offerings of “America’s Foodiest Town.”
Related: Best Restaurants in Capitol Hill, Denver
Sports Teams
Denver:
Home of the Rockies, the Broncos, and the Nuggets, sports lovers should look no further than Denver.
Boulder:
Boulder boasts a smaller, more intimate sports scene comprised of UC Boulder college teams and local minor league and club offerings.
That said, both locations offer extensive opportunities for the outdoors enthusiast.
Education in Denver Vs. Boulder
Denver:
Denver is home to multiple higher ed institutions, including the University of Colorado, Denver, the University of Denver (Colorado’s oldest university), and the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design, to name a few.
Boulder:
Boulder is the seat of the ever-expanding CU system, housing its main campus, the University of Colorado Boulder, which was founded in 1876. CU’s four campuses now enroll more than 39,000 undergraduate and graduate students, making them the largest university system in Colorado.
Did You Decide to Move to Denver?
If, after reading this article, you decide to move to Denver, don’t hesitate to take advantage of AptAmigo’s expert Apartment Locators. We can get you the best deals at the best luxury buildings in Denver and can provide you with free help locating the apartment that best fits all your needs.
Reach out today to see how our incredibly talented and well-versed team at AptAmigo can help you find “home” no matter what that word may mean to you.
* The original version of this article was first published on November 29, 2023.
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Melanie Robinson is a writer and poet from Texas. You can learn more about her and her copywriting business on her website.
