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Cost of Living: Sacramento, CA 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.

14.4% Colorado Springs, CO is cheaper overall
22.5% 22.5% cheaper housing
5.8% 5.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 22.5% cheaper
Sacramento
142
Colorado Springs
110
🛒 Groceries 5.8% cheaper
Sacramento
104
Colorado Springs
98
🚗 Transportation 12.5% cheaper
Sacramento
112
Colorado Springs
98
🏥 Healthcare 7.4% cheaper
Sacramento
108
Colorado Springs
100
⚡ Utilities 8.0% cheaper
Sacramento
100
Colorado Springs
92

Detailed Breakdown

Category Sacramento, CA Colorado Springs, CO Difference
Overall Cost Index11810114.4% less
Housing14211022.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,650$1,35018.2% less
Median Home Price$450,000$400,00011.1% less
Groceries104985.8% less
Transportation1129812.5% less
Healthcare1081007.4% less
Utilities100928.0% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Sacramento, CA Colorado Springs, CO
State Income Tax13.30% (top)4.40%
State Sales Tax7.25%2.90%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.71%0.49%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Sacramento, CA
$78,000
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 Sacramento lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Sacramento (118) vs Colorado Springs (101). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Sacramento4.2%
Colorado Springs3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Sacramento2.7%
Colorado Springs3.1%
Top Industries
SacramentoGovernment, Healthcare, Agriculture
Colorado SpringsMilitary, Tech, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Sacramento27 min
Colorado Springs24 min
Walk Score
Sacramento44
Colorado Springs34
Air Quality (AQI)
Sacramento50
Colorado Springs40
Avg Temperature
Sacramento61°F
Colorado Springs49°F
Population
Sacramento524,943
Colorado Springs478,961

Moving from Sacramento to Colorado Springs?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Sacramento 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sacramento 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 22.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Sacramento vs Colorado Springs?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,650/month in Sacramento and $1,350/month in Colorado Springs — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Sacramento or Colorado Springs?+
California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. 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 Sacramento to Colorado Springs?+
Median household income in Sacramento 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 Sacramento vs Colorado Springs?+
The median home price in Sacramento is $450,000 versus $400,000 in Colorado Springs — a difference of $50,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Colorado averages 0.49%.