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Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC 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.

3.1% 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
Raleigh
104
Colorado Springs
110
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Raleigh
97
Colorado Springs
98
🚗 Transportation 2.1% more
Raleigh
96
Colorado Springs
98
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Raleigh
100
Colorado Springs
100
⚡ Utilities 6.1% cheaper
Raleigh
98
Colorado Springs
92

Detailed Breakdown

Category Raleigh, NC Colorado Springs, CO Difference
Overall Cost Index981013.1% more
Housing1041105.8% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,350~Same
Median Home Price$385,000$400,0003.9% more
Groceries9798~Same
Transportation96982.1% more
Healthcare100100~Same
Utilities98926.1% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Raleigh, NC Colorado Springs, CO
State Income Tax4.50%4.40%
State Sales Tax4.75%2.90%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.70%0.49%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Raleigh, NC
$78,000
Median household income
Colorado Springs, CO
$72,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Colorado Springs costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Colorado Springs to maintain your Raleigh lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Raleigh (98) vs Colorado Springs (101). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Raleigh3.1%
Colorado Springs3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Raleigh3.9%
Colorado Springs3.1%
Top Industries
RaleighTech, Biotech, Education
Colorado SpringsMilitary, Tech, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Raleigh24 min
Colorado Springs24 min
Walk Score
Raleigh30
Colorado Springs34
Air Quality (AQI)
Raleigh35
Colorado Springs40
Avg Temperature
Raleigh60°F
Colorado Springs49°F
Population
Raleigh469,698
Colorado Springs478,961

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Raleigh 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Raleigh or Colorado Springs cheaper to live in?+
Raleigh 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 Raleigh vs Colorado Springs?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Raleigh and $1,350/month in Colorado Springs — a difference of about $0 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Raleigh or Colorado Springs?+
North Carolina has a state income tax of 4.50% and sales tax of 4.75%. 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 Raleigh to Colorado Springs?+
Median household income in Raleigh is $78,000 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 Raleigh vs Colorado Springs?+
The median home price in Raleigh is $385,000 versus $400,000 in Colorado Springs — a difference of $15,000. Property tax rates also differ: North Carolina averages 0.70% while Colorado averages 0.49%.