Home › Compare › Salt Lake City, UT vs Colorado Springs, CO

Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT 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.

3.8% Colorado Springs, CO is cheaper overall
8.3% 8.3% cheaper 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 8.3% cheaper
Salt Lake City
120
Colorado Springs
110
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Salt Lake City
98
Colorado Springs
98
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Salt Lake City
100
Colorado Springs
98
🏥 Healthcare 4.2% more
Salt Lake City
96
Colorado Springs
100
⚡ Utilities 4.5% more
Salt Lake City
88
Colorado Springs
92

Detailed Breakdown

Category Salt Lake City, UT Colorado Springs, CO Difference
Overall Cost Index1051013.8% less
Housing1201108.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,350~Same
Median Home Price$475,000$400,00015.8% less
Groceries9898~Same
Transportation10098~Same
Healthcare961004.2% more
Utilities88924.5% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Salt Lake City, UT Colorado Springs, CO
State Income Tax4.65%4.40%
State Sales Tax6.10%2.90%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.52%0.49%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Salt Lake City, UT
$73,000
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 Salt Lake City lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Salt Lake City (105) vs Colorado Springs (101). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Salt Lake City2.9%
Colorado Springs3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Salt Lake City3.7%
Colorado Springs3.1%
Top Industries
Salt Lake CityTech, Finance, Outdoor Rec
Colorado SpringsMilitary, Tech, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Salt Lake City22 min
Colorado Springs24 min
Walk Score
Salt Lake City57
Colorado Springs34
Air Quality (AQI)
Salt Lake City55
Colorado Springs40
Avg Temperature
Salt Lake City52°F
Colorado Springs49°F
Population
Salt Lake City204,657
Colorado Springs478,961

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City 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 8.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Salt Lake City vs Colorado Springs?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Salt Lake City and $1,350/month in Colorado Springs — a difference of about $0 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Salt Lake City or Colorado Springs?+
Utah has a state income tax of 4.65% and sales tax of 6.10%. 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 Salt Lake City to Colorado Springs?+
Median household income in Salt Lake City is $73,000 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 Salt Lake City vs Colorado Springs?+
The median home price in Salt Lake City is $475,000 versus $400,000 in Colorado Springs — a difference of $75,000. Property tax rates also differ: Utah averages 0.52% while Colorado averages 0.49%.