Home › Compare › Albuquerque, NM vs Colorado Springs, CO

Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Colorado Springs, CO

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

9.8% Colorado Springs, CO is more expensive overall
25.0% 25.0% more expensive housing
2.1% 2.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 25.0% more
Albuquerque
88
Colorado Springs
110
🛒 Groceries 2.1% more
Albuquerque
96
Colorado Springs
98
🚗 Transportation 2.1% more
Albuquerque
96
Colorado Springs
98
🏥 Healthcare 8.7% more
Albuquerque
92
Colorado Springs
100
⚡ Utilities 4.2% cheaper
Albuquerque
96
Colorado Springs
92

Detailed Breakdown

Category Albuquerque, NM Colorado Springs, CO Difference
Overall Cost Index921019.8% more
Housing8811025.0% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,35028.6% more
Median Home Price$280,000$400,00042.9% more
Groceries96982.1% more
Transportation96982.1% more
Healthcare921008.7% more
Utilities96924.2% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Albuquerque, NM Colorado Springs, CO
State Income Tax5.90% (top)4.40%
State Sales Tax5.00%2.90%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.67%0.49%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Albuquerque, NM
$58,000
Median household income
Colorado Springs, CO
$72,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Colorado Springs outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Colorado Springs to maintain your Albuquerque lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Albuquerque (92) vs Colorado Springs (101). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Albuquerque4.5%
Colorado Springs3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Albuquerque2.0%
Colorado Springs3.1%
Top Industries
AlbuquerqueGovernment, Defense, Healthcare
Colorado SpringsMilitary, Tech, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Albuquerque22 min
Colorado Springs24 min
Walk Score
Albuquerque36
Colorado Springs34
Air Quality (AQI)
Albuquerque42
Colorado Springs40
Avg Temperature
Albuquerque57°F
Colorado Springs49°F
Population
Albuquerque564,559
Colorado Springs478,961

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Albuquerque and Colorado Springs → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Colorado Springs →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Albuquerque or Colorado Springs cheaper to live in?+
Albuquerque is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 25.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Albuquerque vs Colorado Springs?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in Albuquerque and $1,350/month in Colorado Springs — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Albuquerque or Colorado Springs?+
New Mexico has a state income tax of 5.90% (top) and sales tax of 5.00%. Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Albuquerque to Colorado Springs?+
Median household income in Albuquerque is $58,000 compared to $72,000 in Colorado Springs. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Albuquerque vs Colorado Springs?+
The median home price in Albuquerque is $280,000 versus $400,000 in Colorado Springs — a difference of $120,000. Property tax rates also differ: New Mexico averages 0.67% while Colorado averages 0.49%.