Home › Compare › Mesa, AZ vs Colorado Springs, CO

Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ 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.

2.0% Colorado Springs, CO is more expensive overall
5.8% 5.8% more expensive housing
1.0% 1.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 5.8% more
Mesa
104
Colorado Springs
110
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Mesa
97
Colorado Springs
98
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Mesa
100
Colorado Springs
98
🏥 Healthcare 6.4% more
Mesa
94
Colorado Springs
100
⚡ Utilities 13.2% cheaper
Mesa
106
Colorado Springs
92

Detailed Breakdown

Category Mesa, AZ Colorado Springs, CO Difference
Overall Cost Index99101~Same
Housing1041105.8% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,250$1,3508.0% more
Median Home Price$365,000$400,0009.6% more
Groceries9798~Same
Transportation10098~Same
Healthcare941006.4% more
Utilities1069213.2% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Mesa, AZ Colorado Springs, CO
State Income Tax2.50%4.40%
State Sales Tax5.60%2.90%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.51%0.49%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Mesa, AZ
$66,000
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 Mesa lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Mesa (99) vs Colorado Springs (101). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Mesa3.8%
Colorado Springs3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Mesa3.2%
Colorado Springs3.1%
Top Industries
MesaAerospace, Tech, Healthcare
Colorado SpringsMilitary, Tech, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Mesa26 min
Colorado Springs24 min
Walk Score
Mesa32
Colorado Springs34
Air Quality (AQI)
Mesa56
Colorado Springs40
Avg Temperature
Mesa74°F
Colorado Springs49°F
Population
Mesa504,258
Colorado Springs478,961

Moving from Mesa to Colorado Springs?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Mesa 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mesa or Colorado Springs cheaper to live in?+
Mesa is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 5.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Mesa vs Colorado Springs?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,250/month in Mesa and $1,350/month in Colorado Springs — a difference of about $100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Mesa or Colorado Springs?+
Arizona has a state income tax of 2.50% and sales tax of 5.60%. 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 Mesa to Colorado Springs?+
Median household income in Mesa is $66,000 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 Mesa vs Colorado Springs?+
The median home price in Mesa is $365,000 versus $400,000 in Colorado Springs — a difference of $35,000. Property tax rates also differ: Arizona averages 0.51% while Colorado averages 0.49%.