Cost of Living: Colorado Springs, CO vs Raleigh, NC (2026)

Colorado Springs

Colorado

119

Raleigh

North Carolina

110

Colorado Springs is 9% more expensive than Raleigh.

$1,562/mo ↑ 6%

Median Rent

$1,468/mo ↓ 6%

$83,198/yr ≈ Same

Median Income

$82,424/yr ≈ Same

$420,700 ↑ 11%

Home Value

$377,800 ↓ 10%

$1,592/mo ↑ 7%

Owner Costs

$1,487/mo ↓ 7%

483,099

Population

470,763

Tax Comparison

4.4%

Income Tax

4.5%

2.9%

Sales Tax

4.75%

0.51%

Property Tax

0.8%

Affordability

22.5%

rent-to-income

Affordability

21.4%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Colorado Springs, CO and Raleigh, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 110 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $94/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $1,128/year.

Median household income is $774/year higher in Colorado Springs. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Colorado Springs is $420,700 compared to $377,800 in Raleigh.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado Springs vs Raleigh — common questions

Is Colorado Springs or Raleigh cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 119 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Colorado Springs and Raleigh?

Median rent in Colorado Springs is $1,562/month and in Raleigh it's $1,468/month — a difference of $94/month.

Which city has higher income, Colorado Springs or Raleigh?

Median household income is $83,198 in Colorado Springs and $82,424 in Raleigh. Median household income is $774/year higher in Colorado Springs.

How do taxes compare between Colorado and North Carolina?

Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.

Should I move to Colorado Springs or Raleigh?

It depends on your priorities. Colorado Springs has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,562/mo, while Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with rent of $1,468/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.