Can A Firefighter Afford Rent in Boulder, CO?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 44.4% of gross income.
Boulder rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Colorado state estimate).
About rent and a firefighter salary
Firefighter base pay plus typical overtime sits modestly above the US median household income, but local rent levels determine whether that translates into affordability or rent burden. At the national-average firefighter base salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,570 a month in rent. The per-city pages compare local rent against local firefighter-pay estimates so renters can see where rent stays in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Colorado cities have lower median rent than Boulder, which improves the affordability math on a firefighter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Boulder
View full rent data for Boulder, CO →Frequently asked questions
Can a firefighter afford rent in Boulder, CO?
Median rent in Boulder is $2,439 a month. A typical firefighter in Colorado earns about $65,951 a year, which makes that rent 44.4% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a firefighter afford in Boulder?
Using the 30% rule, a firefighter salary in Colorado (~$65,951/yr) supports up to $1,649 a month in rent. Boulder's current median rent is $2,439/mo, which is $790/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a firefighter work to cover rent in Boulder?
At an hourly equivalent of about $32 an hour, a firefighter in Colorado works roughly 76.9 hours a month to cover Boulder's median rent of $2,439.
Where is rent cheaper than Boulder for a firefighter?
Nearby Colorado cities with lower median rent include Highlands Ranch ($2,435/mo), Highlands Ranch ($2,430/mo), Steamboat Springs ($2,429/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a firefighter salary.