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

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Colorado Springs is 46% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,562/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 42%
$83,198/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 25%
$420,700 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 148%
$1,592/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 47%
483,099
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Colorado Springs, CO and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $656/month cheaper in Colorado Springs, saving renters about $7,872/year.

Median household income is $20,580/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Colorado Springs is $420,700 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado Springs vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Colorado Springs or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Colorado Springs is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Colorado Springs and Pasadena?
Median rent in Colorado Springs is $1,562/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $656/month.
Which city has higher income, Colorado Springs or Pasadena?
Median household income is $83,198 in Colorado Springs and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $20,580/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Colorado Springs has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,562/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Colorado Springs details → View Pasadena details →

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