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

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119
VS

Modesto

California
120

Colorado Springs and Modesto have a similar cost of living.

$1,562/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 3%
$83,198/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 6%
$420,700 ↑ 1%
Home Value
$415,600 ↓ 1%
$1,592/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 1%
483,099
Population
218,614

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
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Colorado Springs, CO and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,299/year higher in Colorado Springs. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Colorado Springs is $420,700 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado Springs vs Modesto — common questions

Is Colorado Springs or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Colorado Springs is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Colorado Springs and Modesto?
Median rent in Colorado Springs is $1,562/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $47/month.
Which city has higher income, Colorado Springs or Modesto?
Median household income is $83,198 in Colorado Springs and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $5,299/year higher in Colorado Springs.
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 Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Colorado Springs has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,562/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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