Home › Compare › Philadelphia, PA vs Colorado Springs, CO

Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA 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.

6.5% Colorado Springs, CO is cheaper overall
0.0% 0.0% cheaper housing
7.5% 7.5% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing ~Same
Philadelphia
110
Colorado Springs
110
🛒 Groceries 7.5% cheaper
Philadelphia
106
Colorado Springs
98
🚗 Transportation 12.5% cheaper
Philadelphia
112
Colorado Springs
98
🏥 Healthcare 4.8% cheaper
Philadelphia
105
Colorado Springs
100
⚡ Utilities 14.8% cheaper
Philadelphia
108
Colorado Springs
92

Detailed Breakdown

Category Philadelphia, PA Colorado Springs, CO Difference
Overall Cost Index1081016.5% less
Housing110110~Same
Median 1BR Rent$1,500$1,35010.0% less
Median Home Price$280,000$400,00042.9% more
Groceries106987.5% less
Transportation1129812.5% less
Healthcare1051004.8% less
Utilities1089214.8% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Philadelphia, PA Colorado Springs, CO
State Income Tax3.07%4.40%
State Sales Tax6.00%2.90%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.36%0.49%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Philadelphia, PA
$62,000
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 Philadelphia lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Philadelphia (108) vs Colorado Springs (101). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Philadelphia4.9%
Colorado Springs3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Philadelphia1.8%
Colorado Springs3.1%
Top Industries
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma
Colorado SpringsMilitary, Tech, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Philadelphia34 min
Colorado Springs24 min
Walk Score
Philadelphia79
Colorado Springs34
Air Quality (AQI)
Philadelphia46
Colorado Springs40
Avg Temperature
Philadelphia56°F
Colorado Springs49°F
Population
Philadelphia1,603,797
Colorado Springs478,961

Moving from Philadelphia to Colorado Springs?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Philadelphia 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Philadelphia 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 0.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Philadelphia vs Colorado Springs?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,500/month in Philadelphia and $1,350/month in Colorado Springs — a difference of about $150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Philadelphia or Colorado Springs?+
Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% 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 Philadelphia to Colorado Springs?+
Median household income in Philadelphia is $62,000 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 Philadelphia vs Colorado Springs?+
The median home price in Philadelphia is $280,000 versus $400,000 in Colorado Springs — a difference of $120,000. Property tax rates also differ: Pennsylvania averages 1.36% while Colorado averages 0.49%.