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Cost of Living: Washington, DC 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.

22.3% Colorado Springs, CO is cheaper overall
32.1% 32.1% 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 32.1% cheaper
Washington
162
Colorado Springs
110
🛒 Groceries 9.3% cheaper
Washington
108
Colorado Springs
98
🚗 Transportation 19.7% cheaper
Washington
122
Colorado Springs
98
🏥 Healthcare 9.1% cheaper
Washington
110
Colorado Springs
100
⚡ Utilities 12.4% cheaper
Washington
105
Colorado Springs
92

Detailed Breakdown

Category Washington, DC Colorado Springs, CO Difference
Overall Cost Index13010122.3% less
Housing16211032.1% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,200$1,35038.6% less
Median Home Price$620,000$400,00035.5% less
Groceries108989.3% less
Transportation1229819.7% less
Healthcare1101009.1% less
Utilities1059212.4% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Washington, DC Colorado Springs, CO
State Income Tax10.75% (top)4.40%
State Sales Tax6.00%2.90%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%0.49%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Washington, DC
$105,000
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 Washington lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Washington (130) vs Colorado Springs (101). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Washington4.2%
Colorado Springs3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Washington2.4%
Colorado Springs3.1%
Top Industries
WashingtonGovernment, Defense, Consulting
Colorado SpringsMilitary, Tech, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Washington34 min
Colorado Springs24 min
Walk Score
Washington77
Colorado Springs34
Air Quality (AQI)
Washington42
Colorado Springs40
Avg Temperature
Washington57°F
Colorado Springs49°F
Population
Washington689,545
Colorado Springs478,961

Moving from Washington to Colorado Springs?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Washington 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Washington 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 32.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Washington vs Colorado Springs?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,200/month in Washington and $1,350/month in Colorado Springs — a difference of about $850 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Washington or Colorado Springs?+
District of Columbia has a state income tax of 10.75% (top) and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Washington to Colorado Springs?+
Median household income in Washington is $105,000 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 Washington vs Colorado Springs?+
The median home price in Washington is $620,000 versus $400,000 in Colorado Springs — a difference of $220,000. Property tax rates also differ: District of Columbia averages 0.56% while Colorado averages 0.49%.