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Cost of Living: Portland, OR 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.

11.4% Colorado Springs, CO is cheaper overall
20.3% 20.3% cheaper housing
4.9% 4.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 20.3% cheaper
Portland
138
Colorado Springs
110
🛒 Groceries 4.9% cheaper
Portland
103
Colorado Springs
98
🚗 Transportation 9.3% cheaper
Portland
108
Colorado Springs
98
🏥 Healthcare 6.5% cheaper
Portland
107
Colorado Springs
100
⚡ Utilities 4.5% more
Portland
88
Colorado Springs
92

Detailed Breakdown

Category Portland, OR Colorado Springs, CO Difference
Overall Cost Index11410111.4% less
Housing13811020.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,550$1,35012.9% less
Median Home Price$485,000$400,00017.5% less
Groceries103984.9% less
Transportation108989.3% less
Healthcare1071006.5% less
Utilities88924.5% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Portland, OR Colorado Springs, CO
State Income Tax8.75% (top)4.40%
State Sales TaxNone (0%)2.90%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.82%0.49%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Portland, OR
$79,000
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 Portland lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Portland (114) vs Colorado Springs (101). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Portland4.3%
Colorado Springs3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Portland2.2%
Colorado Springs3.1%
Top Industries
PortlandTech, Manufacturing, Creative
Colorado SpringsMilitary, Tech, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Portland27 min
Colorado Springs24 min
Walk Score
Portland65
Colorado Springs34
Air Quality (AQI)
Portland42
Colorado Springs40
Avg Temperature
Portland54°F
Colorado Springs49°F
Population
Portland652,503
Colorado Springs478,961

Moving from Portland to Colorado Springs?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Portland 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 Portland 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 20.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Portland vs Colorado Springs?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,550/month in Portland and $1,350/month in Colorado Springs — a difference of about $200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Portland or Colorado Springs?+
Oregon has a state income tax of 8.75% (top) and sales tax of None (0%). 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 Portland to Colorado Springs?+
Median household income in Portland is $79,000 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 Portland vs Colorado Springs?+
The median home price in Portland is $485,000 versus $400,000 in Colorado Springs — a difference of $85,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oregon averages 0.82% while Colorado averages 0.49%.