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

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119
VS

Salinas

California
156

Colorado Springs is 24% cheaper than Salinas.

$1,562/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,923/mo ↑ 23%
$83,198/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$89,150/yr ↑ 7%
$420,700 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$610,900 ↑ 45%
$1,592/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,912/mo ↑ 20%
483,099
Population
161,993

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
25.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Colorado Springs, CO and Salinas, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 156 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $361/month cheaper in Colorado Springs, saving renters about $4,332/year.

Median household income is $5,952/year higher in Salinas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Colorado Springs is $420,700 compared to $610,900 in Salinas.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado Springs vs Salinas — common questions

Is Colorado Springs or Salinas cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Colorado Springs is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 156 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Colorado Springs and Salinas?
Median rent in Colorado Springs is $1,562/month and in Salinas it's $1,923/month — a difference of $361/month.
Which city has higher income, Colorado Springs or Salinas?
Median household income is $83,198 in Colorado Springs and $89,150 in Salinas. Median household income is $5,952/year higher in Salinas.
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 Salinas?
It depends on your priorities. Colorado Springs has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,562/mo, while Salinas has a cost index of 156 with rent of $1,923/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Colorado Springs details → View Salinas details →

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