Is rubber mulch a good alternative if wood mulch?

Yes, I have heard that the investment is worth it. It doesn't attract bugs and it will last forever.

We replaced the wood mulch in the front yard due to a problem with snakes hanging out around our front porch. The Conservation Department suggested that snakes like wood mulch but don't like rubber. It is more expensive initially but lasts much longer. We did ours three years ago and added a few bags this year just to refresh it. The color does not fade and in spring just rake it around a little to fluff it up. We are very pleased with this mulch.

Much more expensive but well worth the price! Lasts a lot longer, doesn't fade or disintegrate. Heavier too, doesnt blow.

I used wood mulch for many years here in the South but found that it attracts various bugs such as palmetto roaches as well as termites. Also color fads after a year or so. Have used rubber mulch for a couple of years without any problems associated with wood mulch but it is more costly as you stated. I have bought bags at Sams Wholesale club as well as Home Depot and Lowes. I have only seen rubber mulch in a red or dark red color. Would be nice to find it in different colors. Personally I will always use rubber mulch in the future even if it is

only sold in one color.

No, it was all the issues I mentioned together but termites is a major concern here in the South. Considering your location you may not have the problem we in the South have with termites. Of course you could spray the wood mulch for termites/bugs but then you're involving additional effort as well as cost.

I invested in the rubber mulch and had an island near a driveway with a slight incline...during a heavy rain most of it floated away...aughhh