Bend, OR vs Boulder, CO
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Bend
67.8
#1376 nationally
Boulder
67.4
#1424 nationally
Boulder leads in walk score (62 vs 32). Bend leads in average commute (17.1 min vs 21.4 min). Bend leads in cost of living index (134 vs 165).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Bend, OR | Boulder, CO |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 67.8 (#1376) | 67.4 (#1424) |
| Population | 104,557 | 103,166 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $732,894 | $957,377 |
| Median Household Income | $82,671 | $86,098 |
| Average Commute | 17.1 min | 21.4 min |
| Walk Score | 32 | 62 |
| Crime Level | 4.6 | Moderate-Low |
| School Rating | N/A | 8.4 |
| Cost of Living Index | 134 | 165 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.1 | D+55.8 |
D+
67.8 Score
Bend, OR
Mid-size Oregon city with community character
Median Home
$732,894
Population
104,557
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
32
Pacific
View Bend, OR →
D+
67.4 Score
Boulder, CO
Nature meets innovation at the Flatirons
Median Home
$957,377
Population
103,166
Crime
Moderate-Low
Schools
A
West
View Boulder, CO →