Home › Compare › San Diego, CA vs Colorado Springs, CO

Cost of Living: San Diego, 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.

23.5% Colorado Springs, CO is cheaper overall
34.5% 34.5% cheaper housing
9.3% 9.3% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 34.5% cheaper
San Diego
168
Colorado Springs
110
🛒 Groceries 9.3% cheaper
San Diego
108
Colorado Springs
98
🚗 Transportation 16.9% cheaper
San Diego
118
Colorado Springs
98
🏥 Healthcare 10.7% cheaper
San Diego
112
Colorado Springs
100
⚡ Utilities 11.5% cheaper
San Diego
104
Colorado Springs
92

Detailed Breakdown

Category San Diego, CA Colorado Springs, CO Difference
Overall Cost Index13210123.5% less
Housing16811034.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,300$1,35041.3% less
Median Home Price$820,000$400,00051.2% less
Groceries108989.3% less
Transportation1189816.9% less
Healthcare11210010.7% less
Utilities1049211.5% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type San Diego, 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

San Diego, CA
$89,000
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 San Diego lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: San Diego (132) vs Colorado Springs (101). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
San Diego4.0%
Colorado Springs3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
San Diego2.9%
Colorado Springs3.1%
Top Industries
San DiegoDefense, Biotech, Tourism
Colorado SpringsMilitary, Tech, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
San Diego25 min
Colorado Springs24 min
Walk Score
San Diego51
Colorado Springs34
Air Quality (AQI)
San Diego45
Colorado Springs40
Avg Temperature
San Diego64°F
Colorado Springs49°F
Population
San Diego1,381,611
Colorado Springs478,961

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in San Diego 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 San Diego 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 34.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in San Diego vs Colorado Springs?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,300/month in San Diego and $1,350/month in Colorado Springs — a difference of about $950 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, San Diego 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 San Diego to Colorado Springs?+
Median household income in San Diego is $89,000 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 San Diego vs Colorado Springs?+
The median home price in San Diego is $820,000 versus $400,000 in Colorado Springs — a difference of $420,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Colorado averages 0.49%.