F
28%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
79%
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 Fort Carson Colorado National
Cost of living128115100
Groceries103104100
Health care106107100
Housing179136100
Transportation105106100
Utilities109108100
Lifestyle & Entertainment106107100
Household Items103105100
Education & Childcare109111100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Fort Carson, CO

Understanding the cost of living in Fort Carson can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Fort Carson cost of living index is 128, which is 28% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

If you value affordability in your search for a new place to live, Fort Carson may not be the most suitable option, as it stands out as one of the priciest areas in the entire United States. Only a small fraction of regions have a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Fort Carson falls into this category, which may not align with your desire for an affordable place to call home.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Fort Carson 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 79.1% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Fort Carson Affordable?

Is Fort Carson affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Fort Carson, for instance, where the median home price falls 100% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 79.1% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Fort Carson flaunting a median household income of $79,023, 2.8% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Fort Carson?

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Fort Carson, healthcare costs are 5.9% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.

Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as 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 farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Fort Carson cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Fort Carson is 11% higher than the Colorado average
  • The cost of living in Fort Carson is 28% higher than the national average
  • Fort Carson housing is 79% 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 Fort Carson

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Compare Fort Carson, CO Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$0$0$0$0
      Renters$79,317$6,610$1,851$2,380
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Fort Carson, CO, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Fort Carson, homeowners have a median income of $0. Using that number, a maximum of $0 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $79,317, which means there is a maximum of $1,851 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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%
      Colorado Springs, CO481,85512121.0%
      Fort Carson, CO16,84312827.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Hazel Park, MI16,8458712.7%
      Shelbyville, KY16,838972.5%
      Coos Bay, OR16,8551066.1%
      New River, AZ16,85713434.3%
      Port Washington, NY16,82419595.3%
      Fort Carson, CO16,84312827.6%
      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.