Cost of Living for Single Guy in Boulder

[Mike from back east]

Originally Posted by boulderduder

... I respect financial caution and honest advice, but 3K a month? Either you folks have high standards or I have low ones.

I'm guilty of the high standards, in everything, including comfort, ease, cars, wine, food, clothes, technology, peace, quiet, health care. At 63 I hope my days of meager living and clipping coupons are over, though I do use a coupon now and then from eateries offering twofers or free meals. It is possible to live in Boulder on well less than 3k/month, but at my place in life I'll pass on living with less.

[qfrost]

Originally Posted by boulderduder

Living in Boulder on a budget is very, very easy if you're not above clipping coupons, driving an older car, and walking/biking whenever possible. I'm certainly glad I no longer live on such a budget, but it's not a big deal.

Either you folks have high standards or I have low ones.

I'm not above clipping coupons, either. I'm just thinking of an average person's monthly expenses. So given 800 with utilities:

800 rent
300 car payment (used later year model, reliable and low repairs)
240 food (60 a week x 4)
80 gas (20 x 4, assumes very short commute/errands)
20 internet (access to the outside world is a must for me)
40 cable/satellite (cheapest, though mindless, entertainment)
--------
1480

Plus whatever insurance for the car, and possibly renter's insurance. That certainly is close to what you've pointed out. But it doesn't include any personal spending, or anything put aside for rainy days or unexpected costs, clothing, copays, whatever. Good for anyone who can do it on less.