D
21%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
51%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Colorado Springs Colorado National
Cost of living121115100
Groceries105104100
Health care109107100
Housing151136100
Transportation111106100
Utilities111108100
Lifestyle & Entertainment106107100
Household Items106105100
Education & Childcare113111100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Cost of Living in Colorado Springs, CO

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Colorado Springs is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Colorado Springs is 121, which is 21% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

If affordability is among your top priorities when searching for a new place to live, this area may not be the ideal fit, as the cost of living in Colorado Springs is among the most expensive in the United States. Just a minority of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Colorado Springs falls into this category, which may not align with your goal of finding a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Colorado Springs cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 50.6% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Colorado Springs?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 53 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Colorado Springs. The results indicated that 26% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 74% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Colorado Springs Affordable?

Wondering if Colorado Springs is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Colorado Springs, for example, the median home price is 60.9% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 26.4% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Colorado Springs boasting a median household income of $100,946, which is 24.1% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Colorado Springs?

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Colorado Springs, the standard sales tax rate starts at 2.9%, and the income tax rates commence at 4.4%.

Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Colorado Springs comes in at 11% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Colorado Springs are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Colorado Springs is 5% higher than the Colorado average
  • The cost of living in Colorado Springs is 21% higher than the national average
  • Colorado Springs housing is 51% higher than the national average
  • Colorado general sales tax is 43% lower than the national average
  • Colorado state income tax is 69% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Colorado Springs

See all the best places to live around Colorado Springs

Compare Colorado Springs, CO Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Colorado Springs?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Colorado Springs?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Colorado Springs poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$131,482$10,957$3,068$3,945
      Renters$66,204$5,517$1,545$1,986
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Colorado Springs, CO, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Colorado Springs, the median monthly income is $131,482 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $3,068 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $66,204, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,545 on monthly rental expenses.

      Colorado Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Colorado 2.9% 10%

      Colorado Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Colorado 4.4% 4.4%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Stratmoor, CO6,1261066.2%
      Cimarron Hills, CO19,38411313.1%
      Security-Widefield, CO39,79611514.9%
      Fountain, CO31,20511818.1%
      Green Mountain Falls, CO70312121.3%
      Colorado Springs, CO481,85512121.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Raleigh, NC482,27811514.5%
      Long Beach, CA480,08416262.4%
      Miami, FL470,43712929.0%
      Omaha, NE494,852982.5%
      Virginia Beach, VA463,34112019.7%
      Colorado Springs, CO481,85512121.0%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.