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

Cost of Living: San Jose, 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.

32.7% Colorado Springs, CO is cheaper overall
48.8% 48.8% cheaper housing
12.5% 12.5% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 48.8% cheaper
San Jose
215
Colorado Springs
110
🛒 Groceries 12.5% cheaper
San Jose
112
Colorado Springs
98
🚗 Transportation 18.3% cheaper
San Jose
120
Colorado Springs
98
🏥 Healthcare 13.8% cheaper
San Jose
116
Colorado Springs
100
⚡ Utilities 16.4% cheaper
San Jose
110
Colorado Springs
92

Detailed Breakdown

Category San Jose, CA Colorado Springs, CO Difference
Overall Cost Index15010132.7% less
Housing21511048.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,800$1,35051.8% less
Median Home Price$1,350,000$400,00070.4% less
Groceries1129812.5% less
Transportation1209818.3% less
Healthcare11610013.8% less
Utilities1109216.4% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type San Jose, 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 Jose, CA
$140,000
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 Jose lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: San Jose (150) vs Colorado Springs (101). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
San Jose3.5%
Colorado Springs3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
San Jose3.5%
Colorado Springs3.1%
Top Industries
San JoseTech, Hardware, SaaS
Colorado SpringsMilitary, Tech, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
San Jose29 min
Colorado Springs24 min
Walk Score
San Jose50
Colorado Springs34
Air Quality (AQI)
San Jose40
Colorado Springs40
Avg Temperature
San Jose60°F
Colorado Springs49°F
Population
San Jose983,489
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 Jose 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 Jose 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 48.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in San Jose vs Colorado Springs?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,800/month in San Jose and $1,350/month in Colorado Springs — a difference of about $1,450 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, San Jose 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 Jose to Colorado Springs?+
Median household income in San Jose is $140,000 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 Jose vs Colorado Springs?+
The median home price in San Jose is $1,350,000 versus $400,000 in Colorado Springs — a difference of $950,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Colorado averages 0.49%.