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Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA 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.

25.7% Colorado Springs, CO is cheaper overall
38.2% 38.2% cheaper housing
10.9% 10.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 38.2% cheaper
Los Angeles
178
Colorado Springs
110
🛒 Groceries 10.9% cheaper
Los Angeles
110
Colorado Springs
98
🚗 Transportation 21.6% cheaper
Los Angeles
125
Colorado Springs
98
🏥 Healthcare 10.7% cheaper
Los Angeles
112
Colorado Springs
100
⚡ Utilities 12.4% cheaper
Los Angeles
105
Colorado Springs
92

Detailed Breakdown

Category Los Angeles, CA Colorado Springs, CO Difference
Overall Cost Index13610125.7% less
Housing17811038.2% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,500$1,35046.0% less
Median Home Price$880,000$400,00054.5% less
Groceries1109810.9% less
Transportation1259821.6% less
Healthcare11210010.7% less
Utilities1059212.4% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Los Angeles, CA Colorado Springs, CO
State Income Tax13.30% (top)4.40%
State Sales Tax7.25%2.90%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.71%0.49%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
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 Los Angeles lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Los Angeles (136) vs Colorado Springs (101). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Los Angeles5.4%
Colorado Springs3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Los Angeles2.5%
Colorado Springs3.1%
Top Industries
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare
Colorado SpringsMilitary, Tech, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Los Angeles33 min
Colorado Springs24 min
Walk Score
Los Angeles67
Colorado Springs34
Air Quality (AQI)
Los Angeles62
Colorado Springs40
Avg Temperature
Los Angeles66°F
Colorado Springs49°F
Population
Los Angeles3,898,747
Colorado Springs478,961

Moving from Los Angeles to Colorado Springs?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles 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 38.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Colorado Springs?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,500/month in Los Angeles and $1,350/month in Colorado Springs — a difference of about $1,150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Los Angeles or Colorado Springs?+
California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. 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 Los Angeles to Colorado Springs?+
Median household income in Los Angeles is $95,000 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 Los Angeles vs Colorado Springs?+
The median home price in Los Angeles is $880,000 versus $400,000 in Colorado Springs — a difference of $480,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Colorado averages 0.49%.