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

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Colorado Springs is 53% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,562/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 71%
$83,198/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 67%
$420,700 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 175%
$1,592/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 76%
483,099
Population
114,500

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Colorado Springs, CO and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,116/month cheaper in Colorado Springs, saving renters about $13,392/year.

Median household income is $56,128/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Colorado Springs is $420,700 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado Springs vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Colorado Springs or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Colorado Springs is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Colorado Springs and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Colorado Springs is $1,562/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,116/month.
Which city has higher income, Colorado Springs or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $83,198 in Colorado Springs and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $56,128/year higher in Carlsbad.
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 Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Colorado Springs has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,562/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Colorado Springs details → View Carlsbad details →

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