Can A Plumber Afford Rent in Boulder, CO?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 41.5% of gross income.
Boulder rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Colorado state estimate).
About rent and a plumber salary
Plumber pay sits comfortably above the US median household income and covers affordable rent in most US metros. At the national-average plumber salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,678 a month in rent. The per-city pages combine local rent with local plumber-pay estimates so renters can see where the math works.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Colorado cities have lower median rent than Boulder, which improves the affordability math on a plumber salary:
Compare with full rent data for Boulder
View full rent data for Boulder, CO →Frequently asked questions
Can a plumber afford rent in Boulder, CO?
Median rent in Boulder is $2,439 a month. A typical plumber in Colorado earns about $70,455 a year, which makes that rent 41.5% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a plumber afford in Boulder?
Using the 30% rule, a plumber salary in Colorado (~$70,455/yr) supports up to $1,761 a month in rent. Boulder's current median rent is $2,439/mo, which is $678/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a plumber work to cover rent in Boulder?
At an hourly equivalent of about $34 an hour, a plumber in Colorado works roughly 72 hours a month to cover Boulder's median rent of $2,439.
Where is rent cheaper than Boulder for a plumber?
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 plumber salary.