Cost of Living: Colorado Springs, CO vs Salem, OR (2026)

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Colorado Springs is 13% more expensive than Salem.

$1,562/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 15%
$83,198/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 14%
$420,700 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$382,400 ↓ 9%
$1,592/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 10%
483,099
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
9.9%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Colorado Springs, CO and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $239/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $2,868/year.

Median household income is $11,298/year higher in Colorado Springs. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Colorado Springs is $420,700 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado Springs vs Salem — common questions

Is Colorado Springs or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Colorado Springs and Salem?
Median rent in Colorado Springs is $1,562/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $239/month.
Which city has higher income, Colorado Springs or Salem?
Median household income is $83,198 in Colorado Springs and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $11,298/year higher in Colorado Springs.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Oregon?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Colorado Springs or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Colorado Springs has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,562/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Colorado Springs details → View Salem details →

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