Boulder, CO vs Melrose, MA
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.
Boulder
67.4
#1424 nationally
Melrose
67.3
#1438 nationally
Boulder leads in average commute (21.4 min vs 37.1 min). Melrose leads in median household income ($126,305 vs $86,098). Boulder leads in cost of living index (165 vs 167).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Boulder, CO | Melrose, MA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 67.4 (#1424) | 67.3 (#1438) |
| Population | 103,166 | 29,357 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $957,377 | $930,823 |
| Median Household Income | $86,098 | $126,305 |
| Average Commute | 21.4 min | 37.1 min |
| Walk Score | 62 | 62 |
| Crime Level | Moderate-Low | 2.8 |
| School Rating | 8.4 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 165 | 167 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+55.8 | D+39.5 |
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 →
D+
67.3 Score
Melrose, MA
Small Massachusetts city with local appeal
Median Home
$930,823
Population
29,357
Crime
Low
Walk Score
62
Northeast
View Melrose, MA →