01 · the cities
Boulder
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.
full dispatch→Trenton
Trenton's downtown is anchored by the famous 'Trenton Makes The World Takes' bridge sign over the Delaware River, a relic of the city's manufacturing past. It's the New Jersey state capital, sitting roughly halfway between Philly and NYC, with quick train access to both. The food scene leans on solid Italian and an emerging Latin American presence. Workmanlike, with history.
full dispatch→02 · the money
Median rent
Median rent
$2,216/mo
$2,540/mo
$324/mo more than Boulder (13%)
Median home price
Median home price
$783k
$456k
$327k less than Boulder
State income tax
State income tax
4.4%
6.4%
Gross left after rent
Gross left after rent
$5,751/mo
$5,263/mo
Boulder has $488/mo more gross after rent at $100k
Gross left after rent reflects state income tax but not federal, based on $100k salary. Enter your salary to find your ideal city.
03 · the weather
Pleasant days/yr
Pleasant days/yr
178 days
171 days
7 fewer than Boulder
Extreme heat days
Extreme heat days
13 days
2 days
days above 95°F per year
Extreme cold days
Extreme cold days
42 days
21 days
days below 20°F per year
Boulder has 11 more days above 95°F each year than Trenton. Boulder drops below 20°F on 21 more days per year than Trenton.
04 · the life
OutdoorScore
OutdoorScore
79 / 100
71 / 100
8.0 pts behind Boulder
Nonstop flights
Nonstop flights
169 routes
123 routes
46 fewer direct routes than Boulder
Metro size
Metro size
327k metro
382k metro
Boulder has 1.8x fewer events per month than Trenton.
the verdict
6
Boulder
categories won
3
Trenton
categories won
Boulder wins on money and lifestyle. Trenton has the edge on weather.
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