Cost of Living: Colorado Springs, CO vs Arlington, VA (2026)

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Colorado Springs is 41% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,562/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 46%
$83,198/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 68%
$420,700 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 106%
$1,592/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 52%
483,099
Population
235,463

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.75%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Colorado Springs, CO and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $713/month cheaper in Colorado Springs, saving renters about $8,556/year.

Median household income is $56,962/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Colorado Springs is $420,700 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Colorado Springs slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado Springs vs Arlington — common questions

Is Colorado Springs or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Colorado Springs is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Colorado Springs and Arlington?
Median rent in Colorado Springs is $1,562/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $713/month.
Which city has higher income, Colorado Springs or Arlington?
Median household income is $83,198 in Colorado Springs and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $56,962/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Virginia?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Colorado Springs or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Colorado Springs has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,562/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Colorado Springs details → View Arlington details →

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