Rent comparison · HUD FY2026

Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO MSA vs Boulder, CO MSA

How do Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO MSA and Boulder, CO MSA rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.

$1,754
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO MSA (1BR)
$1,795
Boulder, CO MSA (1BR)
−2%
1BR difference

Side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent comparison. Data from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Metro
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO MSA
$1,754/mo 1BR
Population: 2,959,386
Metro
Boulder, CO MSA
$1,795/mo 1BR
Population: 328,658

A 1-bedroom in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO MSA is 2% cheaper than Boulder, CO MSA at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($1,754 vs $1,795). Both figures are the 40th percentile of gross rents (utilities included, telephone excluded) set by HUD for the federal fiscal year 2026. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher payment standards in each area are set between 90% and 110% of these FMR numbers. Source: HUD Fair Market Rents.

How Do Rents Compare By Bedroom?

Bedrooms Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO MSA Boulder, CO MSA Difference
Studio $1,643 $1,553 +$90 (+6%)
1 Bedroom $1,754 $1,795 −$41 (-2%)
2 Bedroom $2,089 $2,124 −$35 (-2%)
3 Bedroom $2,734 $2,820 −$86 (-3%)
4 Bedroom $3,049 $3,239 −$190 (-6%)

vs US National Average

National average 1BR: $959. Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO MSA is 83% above the US average. Boulder, CO MSA is 87% above.

Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).