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Cost of Living: Columbus, OH 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.

8.6% Colorado Springs, CO is more expensive overall
27.9% 27.9% 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 27.9% more
Columbus
86
Colorado Springs
110
🛒 Groceries 2.1% more
Columbus
96
Colorado Springs
98
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Columbus
98
Colorado Springs
98
🏥 Healthcare 6.4% more
Columbus
94
Colorado Springs
100
⚡ Utilities 3.2% cheaper
Columbus
95
Colorado Springs
92

Detailed Breakdown

Category Columbus, OH Colorado Springs, CO Difference
Overall Cost Index931018.6% more
Housing8611027.9% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,100$1,35022.7% more
Median Home Price$260,000$400,00053.8% more
Groceries96982.1% more
Transportation9898~Same
Healthcare941006.4% more
Utilities95923.2% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Columbus, OH Colorado Springs, CO
State Income Tax3.50% (top)4.40%
State Sales Tax5.75%2.90%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.41%0.49%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Columbus, OH
$64,000
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 Columbus lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Columbus (93) vs Colorado Springs (101). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Columbus3.8%
Colorado Springs3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Columbus2.8%
Colorado Springs3.1%
Top Industries
ColumbusInsurance, Education, Tech
Colorado SpringsMilitary, Tech, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Columbus23 min
Colorado Springs24 min
Walk Score
Columbus41
Colorado Springs34
Air Quality (AQI)
Columbus40
Colorado Springs40
Avg Temperature
Columbus52°F
Colorado Springs49°F
Population
Columbus905,748
Colorado Springs478,961

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Columbus 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 Columbus or Colorado Springs cheaper to live in?+
Columbus is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 27.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Columbus vs Colorado Springs?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,100/month in Columbus and $1,350/month in Colorado Springs — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Columbus or Colorado Springs?+
Ohio has a state income tax of 3.50% (top) and sales tax of 5.75%. 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 Columbus to Colorado Springs?+
Median household income in Columbus is $64,000 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 Columbus vs Colorado Springs?+
The median home price in Columbus is $260,000 versus $400,000 in Colorado Springs — a difference of $140,000. Property tax rates also differ: Ohio averages 1.41% while Colorado averages 0.49%.