Cost of Living in Colorado Springs, CO

Population 483,099 · Colorado · Data vintage 2023

130
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Most of Colorado Springs's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $83,198 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail.

Cost Overview

Housing 138
Rent 119

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Colorado Springs

The median home value in Colorado Springs is $420,700 — 38% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,562/month, 19% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $83,198/year is 12% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.5%, above the national average of 4.8%. Colorado's top state income tax rate is 4.4% and the combined sales tax is 7.8%. Overall, Colorado Springs has a cost of living index of 130 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 30% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$420,700
38% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$446,132
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,562/mo
19% above avg
Zillow Rent
$1,667/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
22.4x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$884
1 BR
$960
2 BR
$1,251
3 BR
$1,611
4 BR
$2,004
Owner-occupied 61.3%
Renter-occupied 38.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,562
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,176/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
24.2 min
10% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
16.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
71.1%
Carpooled
8.9%
Public transit
0.5%
Walked
1.8%
Bicycle
0.5%
Work from home
16.1%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 4.4%
Total Sales Tax 7.8%
State rate 2.9%
Avg local rate 4.9%
Property Tax 0.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$83,198
12% above avg
Per Capita Income
$44,893
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
15% above avg
Poverty Rate
9.3%
Labor Force Participation
68.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 25.1%
Graduate degree 16.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 35.6
Male median age 34.4
Female median age 36.9

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 47 — Good
65.8%
Good air days/yr
154
Max AQI recorded
31
PM2.5 days
334
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Colorado Springs, CO?

Colorado Springs has a cost index of 130 (100 = national average). It is 30% above the national average.

What is average rent in Colorado Springs, CO?

The median gross rent in Colorado Springs is $1,562 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Colorado Springs?

The median home value in Colorado Springs is $420,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Colorado Springs?

The median household income in Colorado Springs is $83,198 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Colorado Springs, CO?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Colorado Springs is 7.8%. The Colorado state income tax top rate is 4.4%.

Is Colorado Springs, CO affordable?

Colorado Springs is above average in cost of living, with an index of 130 — about 30% higher than the national average.