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Cost of Living: Houston, TX 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.

5.2% Colorado Springs, CO is more expensive overall
19.6% 19.6% more expensive housing
4.3% 4.3% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 19.6% more
Houston
92
Colorado Springs
110
🛒 Groceries 4.3% more
Houston
94
Colorado Springs
98
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Houston
100
Colorado Springs
98
🏥 Healthcare 5.3% more
Houston
95
Colorado Springs
100
⚡ Utilities 13.2% cheaper
Houston
106
Colorado Springs
92

Detailed Breakdown

Category Houston, TX Colorado Springs, CO Difference
Overall Cost Index961015.2% more
Housing9211019.6% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,200$1,35012.5% more
Median Home Price$295,000$400,00035.6% more
Groceries94984.3% more
Transportation10098~Same
Healthcare951005.3% more
Utilities1069213.2% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Houston, TX Colorado Springs, CO
State Income TaxNone (0%)4.40%
State Sales Tax6.25%2.90%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.49%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Houston, TX
$67,000
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 Houston lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Houston (96) vs Colorado Springs (101). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Houston4.5%
Colorado Springs3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Houston3.1%
Colorado Springs3.1%
Top Industries
HoustonEnergy, Healthcare, Aerospace
Colorado SpringsMilitary, Tech, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Houston30 min
Colorado Springs24 min
Walk Score
Houston33
Colorado Springs34
Air Quality (AQI)
Houston52
Colorado Springs40
Avg Temperature
Houston70°F
Colorado Springs49°F
Population
Houston2,304,580
Colorado Springs478,961

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Houston 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 Houston or Colorado Springs cheaper to live in?+
Houston is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 19.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Houston vs Colorado Springs?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,200/month in Houston and $1,350/month in Colorado Springs — a difference of about $150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Houston or Colorado Springs?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) 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 Houston to Colorado Springs?+
Median household income in Houston is $67,000 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 Houston vs Colorado Springs?+
The median home price in Houston is $295,000 versus $400,000 in Colorado Springs — a difference of $105,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Colorado averages 0.49%.