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Cost of Living: Austin, TX 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.

1.9% Colorado Springs, CO is cheaper overall
6.8% 6.8% cheaper 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 6.8% cheaper
Austin
118
Colorado Springs
110
🛒 Groceries 2.1% more
Austin
96
Colorado Springs
98
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Austin
98
Colorado Springs
98
🏥 Healthcare 3.1% more
Austin
97
Colorado Springs
100
⚡ Utilities 7.1% cheaper
Austin
99
Colorado Springs
92

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX Colorado Springs, CO Difference
Overall Cost Index103101~Same
Housing1181106.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,3506.9% less
Median Home Price$425,000$400,0005.9% less
Groceries96982.1% more
Transportation9898~Same
Healthcare971003.1% more
Utilities99927.1% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX Colorado Springs, CO
State Income TaxNone (0%)4.40%
State Sales Tax6.25%2.90%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.49%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
Median household income
Colorado Springs, CO
$72,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Colorado Springs costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs Colorado Springs (101). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
Colorado Springs3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
Colorado Springs3.1%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
Colorado SpringsMilitary, Tech, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
Colorado Springs24 min
Walk Score
Austin41
Colorado Springs34
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
Colorado Springs40
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
Colorado Springs49°F
Population
Austin979,882
Colorado Springs478,961

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Austin 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

Austin vs Denver → Austin vs Nashville → Austin vs Raleigh → Colorado Springs vs Portland → Colorado Springs vs Phoenix → Colorado Springs vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or Colorado Springs cheaper to live in?+
Colorado Springs is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 6.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs Colorado Springs?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $1,350/month in Colorado Springs — a difference of about $100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or Colorado Springs?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. 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 Austin to Colorado Springs?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 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 Austin vs Colorado Springs?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $400,000 in Colorado Springs — a difference of $25,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Colorado averages 0.49%.