01 · the cities
New York
New York is the city that refuses to take a nap. Five boroughs of bodegas, bagels, late-night dollar slices, and entire neighborhoods that switch languages every six blocks. The subway is a 472-station miracle that runs all night, and Central Park is the green lung that keeps Manhattan sane. You will spend more than you planned and love every minute of it.
full dispatch→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→02 · the money
Median rent
Median rent
$3,329/mo
$2,216/mo
$1,113/mo less than New York (50%)
Median home price
Median home price
$739k
$783k
$44k more than New York
State income tax
State income tax
10.7%
4.4%
Gross left after rent
Gross left after rent
$4,110/mo
$5,751/mo
Boulder has $1,641/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
171 days
178 days
7 more than New York
Extreme heat days
Extreme heat days
1 days
13 days
days above 95°F per year
Extreme cold days
Extreme cold days
19 days
42 days
days below 20°F per year
Boulder has 12 more days above 95°F each year than New York. Boulder drops below 20°F on 23 more days per year than New York.
04 · the life
OutdoorScore
OutdoorScore
78 / 100
79 / 100
Nonstop flights
Nonstop flights
215 routes
169 routes
46 fewer direct routes than New York
Metro size
Metro size
19.5M metro
327k metro
New York has 651.2x more events per month than Boulder.
the verdict
4
New York
categories won
4
Boulder
categories won
New York wins on weather and lifestyle, Boulder wins on money. Dead even.
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