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Cost of Living: Denver, CO 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 cheaper overall
16.7% 16.7% cheaper housing
3.0% 3.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 16.7% cheaper
Denver
132
Colorado Springs
110
🛒 Groceries 3.0% cheaper
Denver
101
Colorado Springs
98
🚗 Transportation 6.7% cheaper
Denver
105
Colorado Springs
98
🏥 Healthcare 3.8% cheaper
Denver
104
Colorado Springs
100
⚡ Utilities 4.2% cheaper
Denver
96
Colorado Springs
92

Detailed Breakdown

Category Denver, CO Colorado Springs, CO Difference
Overall Cost Index1121019.8% less
Housing13211016.7% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,620$1,35016.7% less
Median Home Price$540,000$400,00025.9% less
Groceries101983.0% less
Transportation105986.7% less
Healthcare1041003.8% less
Utilities96924.2% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Denver, CO Colorado Springs, CO
State Income Tax4.40%4.40%
State Sales Tax2.90%2.90%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.49%0.49%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Denver, CO
$82,000
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 Denver lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Denver (112) vs Colorado Springs (101). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Denver3.5%
Colorado Springs3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Denver3.6%
Colorado Springs3.1%
Top Industries
DenverTech, Aerospace, Energy
Colorado SpringsMilitary, Tech, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Denver27 min
Colorado Springs24 min
Walk Score
Denver61
Colorado Springs34
Air Quality (AQI)
Denver45
Colorado Springs40
Avg Temperature
Denver51°F
Colorado Springs49°F
Population
Denver713,252
Colorado Springs478,961

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Denver 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 Denver 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 16.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Denver vs Colorado Springs?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,620/month in Denver and $1,350/month in Colorado Springs — a difference of about $270 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Denver or Colorado Springs?+
Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. 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 Denver to Colorado Springs?+
Median household income in Denver is $82,000 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 Denver vs Colorado Springs?+
The median home price in Denver is $540,000 versus $400,000 in Colorado Springs — a difference of $140,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while Colorado averages 0.49%.