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

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119
VS

Palmdale

California
130

Colorado Springs is 8% cheaper than Palmdale.

$1,562/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,736/mo ↑ 11%
$83,198/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$81,151/yr ↓ 2%
$420,700 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$435,300 ↑ 3%
$1,592/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,831/mo ↑ 15%
483,099
Population
165,487

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Colorado Springs, CO and Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $174/month cheaper in Colorado Springs, saving renters about $2,088/year.

Median household income is $2,047/year higher in Colorado Springs. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Colorado Springs is $420,700 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado Springs vs Palmdale — common questions

Is Colorado Springs or Palmdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Colorado Springs is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Colorado Springs and Palmdale?
Median rent in Colorado Springs is $1,562/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $174/month.
Which city has higher income, Colorado Springs or Palmdale?
Median household income is $83,198 in Colorado Springs and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $2,047/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 Palmdale?
It depends on your priorities. Colorado Springs has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,562/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Colorado Springs details → View Palmdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Colorado Springs and Palmdale

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