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Cost of Living: Detroit, MI 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.

13.5% Colorado Springs, CO is more expensive overall
61.8% 61.8% more expensive housing
3.2% 3.2% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 61.8% more
Detroit
68
Colorado Springs
110
🛒 Groceries 3.2% more
Detroit
95
Colorado Springs
98
🚗 Transportation 3.9% cheaper
Detroit
102
Colorado Springs
98
🏥 Healthcare 4.2% more
Detroit
96
Colorado Springs
100
⚡ Utilities 11.5% cheaper
Detroit
104
Colorado Springs
92

Detailed Breakdown

Category Detroit, MI Colorado Springs, CO Difference
Overall Cost Index8910113.5% more
Housing6811061.8% more
Median 1BR Rent$900$1,35050.0% more
Median Home Price$85,000$400,000370.6% more
Groceries95983.2% more
Transportation102983.9% less
Healthcare961004.2% more
Utilities1049211.5% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Detroit, MI Colorado Springs, CO
State Income Tax4.25%4.40%
State Sales Tax6.00%2.90%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.32%0.49%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Detroit, MI
$42,000
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 Detroit lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Detroit (89) vs Colorado Springs (101). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Detroit6.2%
Colorado Springs3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Detroit1.5%
Colorado Springs3.1%
Top Industries
DetroitAuto, Manufacturing, Healthcare
Colorado SpringsMilitary, Tech, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Detroit27 min
Colorado Springs24 min
Walk Score
Detroit55
Colorado Springs34
Air Quality (AQI)
Detroit44
Colorado Springs40
Avg Temperature
Detroit49°F
Colorado Springs49°F
Population
Detroit639,111
Colorado Springs478,961

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Detroit 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 Detroit or Colorado Springs cheaper to live in?+
Detroit is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 61.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Detroit vs Colorado Springs?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $900/month in Detroit and $1,350/month in Colorado Springs — a difference of about $450 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Detroit or Colorado Springs?+
Michigan has a state income tax of 4.25% 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 Detroit to Colorado Springs?+
Median household income in Detroit is $42,000 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 Detroit vs Colorado Springs?+
The median home price in Detroit is $85,000 versus $400,000 in Colorado Springs — a difference of $315,000. Property tax rates also differ: Michigan averages 1.32% while Colorado averages 0.49%.