Cost of Living in Fort Carson, CO

Population 18,447 · Colorado · Data vintage 2023

156

Cost Index
(100 = US avg)

Page updated: April 2026 · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year

Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Fort Carson a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. An unemployment rate of 3.0% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Geographically, Fort Carson sits roughly 12 miles south of Colorado Springs. Colorado Springs' typical home runs $421,000 for context.

Cost Overview

Rent 156

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

About the Cost of Living in Fort Carson

Median rent runs $2,046/month, 56% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $61,783/year is 17% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.0%, below 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, Fort Carson has a cost of living index of 156 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 56% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Rent

$2,046/mo

56% above avg

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

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent

$2,046

Groceries national estimate

$400

Utilities local estimate

$88

Transportation local gas prices

$126

Estimated Total $2,660/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

12.1 min

55% below avg

Gas Price

$3.145/gal

0% below avg

Work From Home

1.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone

53.7%

Carpooled

18.1%

Public transit

0.1%

Walked

25.4%

Bicycle

0.1%

Work from home

1.9%

⚡ 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

$61,783

17% below avg

Per Capita Income

$26,564

Unemployment Rate

3.0%

38% below avg

Poverty Rate

11.3%

Labor Force Participation

85.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 17.8%

Graduate degree 9.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 22.1

Male median age 21.9

Female median age 23.4

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 47 — Good

65.8%

Good air days/yr

154

Max AQI recorded

PM2.5 days

334

Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Fort Carson, CO?

Fort Carson has a cost index of 156 (100 = national average). It is 56% above the national average.

What is average rent in Fort Carson, CO?

The median gross rent in Fort Carson is $2,046 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the median income in Fort Carson?

The median household income in Fort Carson is $61,783 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Fort Carson, CO?

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

Is Fort Carson, CO affordable?

Fort Carson is above average in cost of living, with an index of 156 — about 56% higher than the national average.

Fort Carson at a Glance

Population: 18,447
Median Income: $61,783
Median Rent: $2,046/mo
Unemployment: 3.0%
Sales Tax: 7.8%

View all cities in Colorado →

Nearby Cities

🗺️ County data for Colorado

Explore county-level cost of living data