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Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN 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.

11.0% Colorado Springs, CO is more expensive overall
37.5% 37.5% 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 37.5% more
Indianapolis
80
Colorado Springs
110
🛒 Groceries 3.2% more
Indianapolis
95
Colorado Springs
98
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Indianapolis
98
Colorado Springs
98
🏥 Healthcare 4.2% more
Indianapolis
96
Colorado Springs
100
⚡ Utilities 5.2% cheaper
Indianapolis
97
Colorado Springs
92

Detailed Breakdown

Category Indianapolis, IN Colorado Springs, CO Difference
Overall Cost Index9110111.0% more
Housing8011037.5% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,35028.6% more
Median Home Price$230,000$400,00073.9% more
Groceries95983.2% more
Transportation9898~Same
Healthcare961004.2% more
Utilities97925.2% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Indianapolis, IN Colorado Springs, CO
State Income Tax3.05%4.40%
State Sales Tax7.00%2.90%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.75%0.49%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Indianapolis, IN
$60,000
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 Indianapolis lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Indianapolis (91) vs Colorado Springs (101). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Indianapolis3.9%
Colorado Springs3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Indianapolis2.6%
Colorado Springs3.1%
Top Industries
IndianapolisPharma, Logistics, Motorsports
Colorado SpringsMilitary, Tech, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Indianapolis24 min
Colorado Springs24 min
Walk Score
Indianapolis31
Colorado Springs34
Air Quality (AQI)
Indianapolis42
Colorado Springs40
Avg Temperature
Indianapolis53°F
Colorado Springs49°F
Population
Indianapolis887,642
Colorado Springs478,961

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Indianapolis 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

Indianapolis vs Austin → Indianapolis vs Denver → Indianapolis vs Nashville → Colorado Springs vs Raleigh → Colorado Springs vs Portland → Colorado Springs vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Indianapolis or Colorado Springs cheaper to live in?+
Indianapolis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 37.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Indianapolis vs Colorado Springs?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in Indianapolis and $1,350/month in Colorado Springs — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Indianapolis or Colorado Springs?+
Indiana has a state income tax of 3.05% and sales tax of 7.00%. 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 Indianapolis to Colorado Springs?+
Median household income in Indianapolis is $60,000 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 Indianapolis vs Colorado Springs?+
The median home price in Indianapolis is $230,000 versus $400,000 in Colorado Springs — a difference of $170,000. Property tax rates also differ: Indiana averages 0.75% while Colorado averages 0.49%.