Home › Compare › Tucson, AZ vs Colorado Springs, CO

Cost of Living: Tucson, AZ 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.

11.0% Colorado Springs, CO is more expensive overall
31.0% 31.0% more expensive housing
2.1% 2.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 31.0% more
Tucson
84
Colorado Springs
110
🛒 Groceries 2.1% more
Tucson
96
Colorado Springs
98
🚗 Transportation 2.1% more
Tucson
96
Colorado Springs
98
🏥 Healthcare 8.7% more
Tucson
92
Colorado Springs
100
⚡ Utilities 11.5% cheaper
Tucson
104
Colorado Springs
92

Detailed Breakdown

Category Tucson, AZ Colorado Springs, CO Difference
Overall Cost Index9110111.0% more
Housing8411031.0% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,000$1,35035.0% more
Median Home Price$270,000$400,00048.1% more
Groceries96982.1% more
Transportation96982.1% more
Healthcare921008.7% more
Utilities1049211.5% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Tucson, AZ Colorado Springs, CO
State Income Tax2.50%4.40%
State Sales Tax5.60%2.90%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.51%0.49%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Tucson, AZ
$52,000
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 Tucson lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Tucson (91) vs Colorado Springs (101). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Tucson4.6%
Colorado Springs3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Tucson2.1%
Colorado Springs3.1%
Top Industries
TucsonDefense, Education, Healthcare
Colorado SpringsMilitary, Tech, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Tucson23 min
Colorado Springs24 min
Walk Score
Tucson41
Colorado Springs34
Air Quality (AQI)
Tucson48
Colorado Springs40
Avg Temperature
Tucson70°F
Colorado Springs49°F
Population
Tucson542,629
Colorado Springs478,961

Moving from Tucson to Colorado Springs?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Tucson 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

Tucson vs Austin → Tucson vs Denver → Tucson vs Nashville → Colorado Springs vs Raleigh → Colorado Springs vs Portland → Colorado Springs vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tucson or Colorado Springs cheaper to live in?+
Tucson is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 31.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Tucson vs Colorado Springs?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,000/month in Tucson and $1,350/month in Colorado Springs — a difference of about $350 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Tucson or Colorado Springs?+
Arizona has a state income tax of 2.50% and sales tax of 5.60%. 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 Tucson to Colorado Springs?+
Median household income in Tucson is $52,000 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 Tucson vs Colorado Springs?+
The median home price in Tucson is $270,000 versus $400,000 in Colorado Springs — a difference of $130,000. Property tax rates also differ: Arizona averages 0.51% while Colorado averages 0.49%.