Boulder, CO vs Phoenix, AZ
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
Phoenix
66.7
#1514 nationally
Phoenix leads in cost of living index (106 vs 165). Boulder leads in walk score (62 vs 41). Boulder leads in school rating (8.4 vs 5.8).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Boulder, CO | Phoenix, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 67.4 (#1424) | 66.7 (#1514) |
| Population | 103,166 | 1,650,070 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $957,377 | $408,770 |
| Median Household Income | $86,098 | $65,891 |
| Average Commute | 21.4 min | 26.7 min |
| Walk Score | 62 | 41 |
| Crime Level | Moderate-Low | Moderate-High |
| School Rating | 8.4 | 5.8 |
| Cost of Living Index | 165 | 106 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+55.8 | R+3.5 |
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
66.7 Score
Phoenix, AZ
Valley of the Sun with explosive growth
Median Home
$408,770
Population
1,650,070
Crime
Moderate-High
Schools
C+
Southwest
View Phoenix, AZ →