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

Cost of Living: San Francisco, 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.

31.8% Colorado Springs, CO is cheaper overall
47.6% 47.6% cheaper housing
14.8% 14.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 47.6% cheaper
San Francisco
210
Colorado Springs
110
🛒 Groceries 14.8% cheaper
San Francisco
115
Colorado Springs
98
🚗 Transportation 23.4% cheaper
San Francisco
128
Colorado Springs
98
🏥 Healthcare 15.3% cheaper
San Francisco
118
Colorado Springs
100
⚡ Utilities 14.8% cheaper
San Francisco
108
Colorado Springs
92

Detailed Breakdown

Category San Francisco, CA Colorado Springs, CO Difference
Overall Cost Index14810131.8% less
Housing21011047.6% less
Median 1BR Rent$3,000$1,35055.0% less
Median Home Price$1,250,000$400,00068.0% less
Groceries1159814.8% less
Transportation1289823.4% less
Healthcare11810015.3% less
Utilities1089214.8% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA
$130,000
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 San Francisco lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: San Francisco (148) vs Colorado Springs (101). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
San Francisco3.8%
Colorado Springs3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
San Francisco3.2%
Colorado Springs3.1%
Top Industries
San FranciscoTech, Biotech, Finance
Colorado SpringsMilitary, Tech, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
San Francisco34 min
Colorado Springs24 min
Walk Score
San Francisco87
Colorado Springs34
Air Quality (AQI)
San Francisco42
Colorado Springs40
Avg Temperature
San Francisco57°F
Colorado Springs49°F
Population
San Francisco808,437
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 Francisco 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 Francisco 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 47.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in San Francisco vs Colorado Springs?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $3,000/month in San Francisco and $1,350/month in Colorado Springs — a difference of about $1,650 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, San Francisco 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 Francisco to Colorado Springs?+
Median household income in San Francisco is $130,000 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 Francisco vs Colorado Springs?+
The median home price in San Francisco is $1,250,000 versus $400,000 in Colorado Springs — a difference of $850,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Colorado averages 0.49%.