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Cost of Living: Seattle, WA 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.

18.5% Colorado Springs, CO is cheaper overall
29.5% 29.5% 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 29.5% cheaper
Seattle
156
Colorado Springs
110
🛒 Groceries 9.3% cheaper
Seattle
108
Colorado Springs
98
🚗 Transportation 16.9% cheaper
Seattle
118
Colorado Springs
98
🏥 Healthcare 9.1% cheaper
Seattle
110
Colorado Springs
100
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Seattle
91
Colorado Springs
92

Detailed Breakdown

Category Seattle, WA Colorado Springs, CO Difference
Overall Cost Index12410118.5% less
Housing15611029.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,050$1,35034.1% less
Median Home Price$780,000$400,00048.7% less
Groceries108989.3% less
Transportation1189816.9% less
Healthcare1101009.1% less
Utilities9192~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Seattle, WA Colorado Springs, CO
State Income TaxNone (0%)4.40%
State Sales Tax6.50%2.90%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.84%0.49%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Seattle, WA
$110,000
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 Seattle lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Seattle (124) vs Colorado Springs (101). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Seattle3.4%
Colorado Springs3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Seattle3.8%
Colorado Springs3.1%
Top Industries
SeattleTech, Aerospace, Retail
Colorado SpringsMilitary, Tech, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Seattle30 min
Colorado Springs24 min
Walk Score
Seattle73
Colorado Springs34
Air Quality (AQI)
Seattle40
Colorado Springs40
Avg Temperature
Seattle52°F
Colorado Springs49°F
Population
Seattle749,256
Colorado Springs478,961

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Seattle 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 Seattle 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 29.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Seattle vs Colorado Springs?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,050/month in Seattle and $1,350/month in Colorado Springs — a difference of about $700 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Seattle or Colorado Springs?+
Washington has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.50%. 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 Seattle to Colorado Springs?+
Median household income in Seattle is $110,000 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 Seattle vs Colorado Springs?+
The median home price in Seattle is $780,000 versus $400,000 in Colorado Springs — a difference of $380,000. Property tax rates also differ: Washington averages 0.84% while Colorado averages 0.49%.