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

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119
VS

Oakland

California
195

Colorado Springs is 39% cheaper than Oakland.

$1,562/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 23%
$83,198/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$97,369/yr ↑ 17%
$420,700 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$924,700 ↑ 120%
$1,592/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$2,164/mo ↑ 36%
483,099
Population
438,072

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
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Colorado Springs, CO and Oakland, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $355/month cheaper in Colorado Springs, saving renters about $4,260/year.

Median household income is $14,171/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Colorado Springs is $420,700 compared to $924,700 in Oakland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado Springs vs Oakland — common questions

Is Colorado Springs or Oakland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Colorado Springs is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Colorado Springs and Oakland?
Median rent in Colorado Springs is $1,562/month and in Oakland it's $1,917/month — a difference of $355/month.
Which city has higher income, Colorado Springs or Oakland?
Median household income is $83,198 in Colorado Springs and $97,369 in Oakland. Median household income is $14,171/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland?
It depends on your priorities. Colorado Springs has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,562/mo, while Oakland has a cost index of 195 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Colorado Springs details → View Oakland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Colorado Springs and Oakland

Colorado Springs vs. Omaha Colorado Springs vs. Raleigh Colorado Springs vs. Atlanta Colorado Springs vs. Long Beach Colorado Springs vs. Mesa Colorado Springs vs. Virginia Beach Oakland vs. Miami Oakland vs. Minneapolis Oakland vs. Virginia Beach Oakland vs. Tulsa Oakland vs. Long Beach Oakland vs. Bakersfield