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

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119
VS

Riverside

California
144

Colorado Springs is 17% cheaper than Riverside.

$1,562/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,812/mo ↑ 16%
$83,198/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$88,575/yr ↑ 6%
$420,700 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$542,100 ↑ 29%
$1,592/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,880/mo ↑ 18%
483,099
Population
316,241

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Colorado Springs, CO and Riverside, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $250/month cheaper in Colorado Springs, saving renters about $3,000/year.

Median household income is $5,377/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Colorado Springs is $420,700 compared to $542,100 in Riverside.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado Springs vs Riverside — common questions

Is Colorado Springs or Riverside cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Colorado Springs is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Colorado Springs and Riverside?
Median rent in Colorado Springs is $1,562/month and in Riverside it's $1,812/month — a difference of $250/month.
Which city has higher income, Colorado Springs or Riverside?
Median household income is $83,198 in Colorado Springs and $88,575 in Riverside. Median household income is $5,377/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside?
It depends on your priorities. Colorado Springs has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,562/mo, while Riverside has a cost index of 144 with rent of $1,812/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Colorado Springs details → View Riverside details →

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