Cost of Living in Colorado Springs, CO

Colorado Springs's cost of living index is 103 — making it 2.9% more expensive than the US national average. To maintain your current standard of living here, you would need to earn $103,000 for every $100,000 of national-average income.

Local Financial Reality

The Colorado Springs Tax & Cost Impact

Colorado Springs offers a balanced tax profile. While Colorado does have an income tax, it remains competitive compared to coastal hubs, especially when adjusted for local housing costs.

Decision Matrix

  • Housing: Housing is a value-play compared to national tiers.
  • Savings Rate: To save $2,000/mo here, you need a gross household income of ~$86,520.

COL Index

103

100 = national avg

Monthly Budget

$5,150

vs $5,000 national

Population

0.5M

Metro area

State Tax

Yes

Colorado

Monthly Cost Breakdown

Estimated monthly costs in Colorado Springs vs national average for a typical household.

CategoryNational AvgColorado SpringsDifference
Housing$1,650$1,724+$74
Groceries$650$666+$16
Transportation$800$822+$22
Healthcare$400$408+$8
Utilities$300$309+$9
Other$1,200$1,229+$29
Total$5,000$5,150+$150

Salary Equivalent

To maintain the same standard of living in Colorado Springs, a national-average salary translates to:

$50,000 nationally

$51,500

$75,000 nationally

$77,250

$100,000 nationally

$103,000

$150,000 nationally

$154,500

What Your Salary Gets You in Colorado Springs

Here's how different salary levels translate to monthly purchasing power in Colorado Springs, CO, where the cost of living is 3% above the national average.

$50,000 nationally
$51,500 in Colorado Springs
~$3,219/mo after tax → $1,519/mo after housing
$75,000 nationally
$77,250 in Colorado Springs
~$4,828/mo after tax → $3,128/mo after housing
$100,000 nationally
$103,000 in Colorado Springs
~$6,438/mo after tax → $4,738/mo after housing
$150,000 nationally
$154,500 in Colorado Springs
~$9,656/mo after tax → $7,956/mo after housing

Compare Two Cities

See a detailed side-by-side comparison

COL Calculator

Full Relocation Analysis

Tax, housing, savings, 10-year projection

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FAQ: Cost of Living in Colorado Springs

Is Colorado Springs expensive to live in?

Colorado Springs's cost of living index is 103, which is slightly above the national average of 100. Housing is typically the biggest factor, with estimated monthly rent around $1,700.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Colorado Springs?

To maintain a middle-class lifestyle in Colorado Springs, you'd need approximately $77,250 per year, which is equivalent to a $75,000 salary at the national average cost of living.

How does Colorado Springs compare to other cities?

Colorado Springs is comparable in cost to Phoenix, Mesa, Raleigh. More affordable alternatives include Indianapolis, San Antonio, Louisville.