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Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD 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.

6.5% Colorado Springs, CO is cheaper overall
1.8% 1.8% cheaper housing
5.8% 5.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing ~Same
Baltimore
112
Colorado Springs
110
🛒 Groceries 5.8% cheaper
Baltimore
104
Colorado Springs
98
🚗 Transportation 10.9% cheaper
Baltimore
110
Colorado Springs
98
🏥 Healthcare 3.8% cheaper
Baltimore
104
Colorado Springs
100
⚡ Utilities 14.8% cheaper
Baltimore
108
Colorado Springs
92

Detailed Breakdown

Category Baltimore, MD Colorado Springs, CO Difference
Overall Cost Index1081016.5% less
Housing112110~Same
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,350~Same
Median Home Price$220,000$400,00081.8% more
Groceries104985.8% less
Transportation1109810.9% less
Healthcare1041003.8% less
Utilities1089214.8% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Baltimore, MD Colorado Springs, CO
State Income Tax5.75% (top)4.40%
State Sales Tax6.00%2.90%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.99%0.49%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Baltimore, MD
$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 Baltimore lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Baltimore (108) vs Colorado Springs (101). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Baltimore5.0%
Colorado Springs3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Baltimore1.7%
Colorado Springs3.1%
Top Industries
BaltimoreHealthcare, Education, Defense
Colorado SpringsMilitary, Tech, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Baltimore31 min
Colorado Springs24 min
Walk Score
Baltimore67
Colorado Springs34
Air Quality (AQI)
Baltimore44
Colorado Springs40
Avg Temperature
Baltimore56°F
Colorado Springs49°F
Population
Baltimore585,708
Colorado Springs478,961

Moving from Baltimore to Colorado Springs?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Baltimore 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Baltimore 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 1.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Baltimore vs Colorado Springs?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Baltimore and $1,350/month in Colorado Springs — a difference of about $0 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Baltimore or Colorado Springs?+
Maryland has a state income tax of 5.75% (top) and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Baltimore to Colorado Springs?+
Median household income in Baltimore 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 Baltimore vs Colorado Springs?+
The median home price in Baltimore is $220,000 versus $400,000 in Colorado Springs — a difference of $180,000. Property tax rates also differ: Maryland averages 0.99% while Colorado averages 0.49%.