on $100k a year, leaving Portland
changea dispatch from
boulder
CO
40.01°N
105.27°W
Boulder is the Flatirons rising right behind town, the Pearl Street Mall pedestrian shopping, and a population that runs more, climbs more, and bikes more than basically any other American city. CU keeps it young, the foothills keep it active, and the food scene leans organic-virtuous. The access to the Rockies is unmatched and the sunshine is relentless, and locals invest in the city like it's a lifestyle, not just an address.
the verdict
pricier each month than Portland
A small premium for Boulder. Worth it only if the rest of the city earns it back.
a quick ledger.
$2,216/mo
24% more expensive than Portland(vs $1,781/mo)
4.4%
$362/mo less in state tax than Portland
vs 8.75% in Portland
$5,751/mo
$72 less than Portland
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$783k
39% more expensive than Portland
vs $562k in Portland
327k
vs 2.5M in Portland
field notes, weather & such.
178
pleasant days a year, in boulder.
Portland only manages 178 of those. The trade is winter: 42 days below 20°, vs 2 in Portland.
Lighter on events: Portland packs 20.5× more into a month.
79/100
9% lower than Portland
vs 87/100 in Portland
Closest outdoor draw: Rocky Mountain National Park, 23.2 mi.
84/100
16% lower than Portland
vs 100/100 in Portland
169
196% more than Portland
vs 57 nonstops in Portland
neighbors of boulder on the map of tradeoffs:
compare boulder with:
