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Cost of Living: Boston, MA 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.

25.2% Colorado Springs, CO is cheaper overall
36.0% 36.0% cheaper housing
10.9% 10.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 36.0% cheaper
Boston
172
Colorado Springs
110
🛒 Groceries 10.9% cheaper
Boston
110
Colorado Springs
98
🚗 Transportation 16.9% cheaper
Boston
118
Colorado Springs
98
🏥 Healthcare 13.0% cheaper
Boston
115
Colorado Springs
100
⚡ Utilities 17.9% cheaper
Boston
112
Colorado Springs
92

Detailed Breakdown

Category Boston, MA Colorado Springs, CO Difference
Overall Cost Index13510125.2% less
Housing17211036.0% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,600$1,35048.1% less
Median Home Price$700,000$400,00042.9% less
Groceries1109810.9% less
Transportation1189816.9% less
Healthcare11510013.0% less
Utilities1129217.9% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Boston, MA Colorado Springs, CO
State Income Tax9.00% (top)4.40%
State Sales Tax6.25%2.90%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.14%0.49%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Boston, MA
$98,000
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 Boston lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Boston (135) vs Colorado Springs (101). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Boston3.6%
Colorado Springs3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Boston2.9%
Colorado Springs3.1%
Top Industries
BostonBiotech, Education, Finance
Colorado SpringsMilitary, Tech, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Boston31 min
Colorado Springs24 min
Walk Score
Boston82
Colorado Springs34
Air Quality (AQI)
Boston38
Colorado Springs40
Avg Temperature
Boston51°F
Colorado Springs49°F
Population
Boston675,647
Colorado Springs478,961

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Boston 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 Boston 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 36.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Boston vs Colorado Springs?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,600/month in Boston and $1,350/month in Colorado Springs — a difference of about $1,250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Boston or Colorado Springs?+
Massachusetts has a state income tax of 9.00% (top) 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 Boston to Colorado Springs?+
Median household income in Boston is $98,000 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 Boston vs Colorado Springs?+
The median home price in Boston is $700,000 versus $400,000 in Colorado Springs — a difference of $300,000. Property tax rates also differ: Massachusetts averages 1.14% while Colorado averages 0.49%.