Boulder, CO vs Crystal, MN
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
Crystal
75
#509 nationally
Crystal leads in cost of living index (105 vs 165). Boulder leads in walk score (62 vs 44). Boulder leads in average commute (21.4 min vs 24 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Boulder, CO | Crystal, MN |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 67.4 (#1424) | 75 (#509) |
| Population | 103,166 | 21,906 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $957,377 | $323,618 |
| Median Household Income | $86,098 | $86,288 |
| Average Commute | 21.4 min | 24 min |
| Walk Score | 62 | 44 |
| Crime Level | Moderate-Low | 7.7 |
| School Rating | 8.4 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 165 | 105 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+55.8 | D+42.6 |
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 →
C
75 Score
Crystal, MN
Small Minnesota city with local appeal
Median Home
$323,618
Population
21,906
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
44
Midwest
View Crystal, MN →
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