Cost of Living: Colorado Springs, CO vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Colorado Springs is 53% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,562/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 36%
$83,198/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 30%
$420,700 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 221%
$1,592/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 47%
483,099
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Colorado Springs, CO and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $565/month cheaper in Colorado Springs, saving renters about $6,780/year.

Median household income is $25,360/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Colorado Springs is $420,700 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado Springs vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Colorado Springs or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Colorado Springs is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Colorado Springs and Berkeley?
Median rent in Colorado Springs is $1,562/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $565/month.
Which city has higher income, Colorado Springs or Berkeley?
Median household income is $83,198 in Colorado Springs and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $25,360/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and California?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Colorado Springs or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Colorado Springs has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,562/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Colorado Springs details → View Berkeley details →

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