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Cost of Living: Phoenix, 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.

1.0% Colorado Springs, CO is more expensive overall
3.8% 3.8% more expensive housing
0.0% 0.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 3.8% more
Phoenix
106
Colorado Springs
110
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Phoenix
98
Colorado Springs
98
🚗 Transportation 3.0% cheaper
Phoenix
101
Colorado Springs
98
🏥 Healthcare 5.3% more
Phoenix
95
Colorado Springs
100
⚡ Utilities 14.8% cheaper
Phoenix
108
Colorado Springs
92

Detailed Breakdown

Category Phoenix, AZ Colorado Springs, CO Difference
Overall Cost Index100101~Same
Housing1061103.8% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,280$1,3505.5% more
Median Home Price$370,000$400,0008.1% more
Groceries9898~Same
Transportation101983.0% less
Healthcare951005.3% more
Utilities1089214.8% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Phoenix, 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

Phoenix, AZ
$68,000
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 Phoenix lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Phoenix (100) vs Colorado Springs (101). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Phoenix3.9%
Colorado Springs3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Phoenix3.3%
Colorado Springs3.1%
Top Industries
PhoenixTech, Healthcare, Finance
Colorado SpringsMilitary, Tech, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Phoenix27 min
Colorado Springs24 min
Walk Score
Phoenix38
Colorado Springs34
Air Quality (AQI)
Phoenix58
Colorado Springs40
Avg Temperature
Phoenix75°F
Colorado Springs49°F
Population
Phoenix1,624,569
Colorado Springs478,961

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Phoenix 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phoenix or Colorado Springs cheaper to live in?+
Phoenix is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 3.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Phoenix vs Colorado Springs?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,280/month in Phoenix and $1,350/month in Colorado Springs — a difference of about $70 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Phoenix 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 Phoenix to Colorado Springs?+
Median household income in Phoenix is $68,000 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 Phoenix vs Colorado Springs?+
The median home price in Phoenix is $370,000 versus $400,000 in Colorado Springs — a difference of $30,000. Property tax rates also differ: Arizona averages 0.51% while Colorado averages 0.49%.