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

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119
VS

Santa Ana

California
163

Colorado Springs is 27% cheaper than Santa Ana.

$1,562/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,975/mo ↑ 26%
$83,198/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$88,354/yr ↑ 6%
$420,700 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$657,800 ↑ 56%
$1,592/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,965/mo ↑ 23%
483,099
Population
311,639

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
26.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Colorado Springs, CO and Santa Ana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 163 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $413/month cheaper in Colorado Springs, saving renters about $4,956/year.

Median household income is $5,156/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Colorado Springs is $420,700 compared to $657,800 in Santa Ana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado Springs vs Santa Ana — common questions

Is Colorado Springs or Santa Ana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Colorado Springs is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Colorado Springs and Santa Ana?
Median rent in Colorado Springs is $1,562/month and in Santa Ana it's $1,975/month — a difference of $413/month.
Which city has higher income, Colorado Springs or Santa Ana?
Median household income is $83,198 in Colorado Springs and $88,354 in Santa Ana. Median household income is $5,156/year higher in Santa Ana.
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 Santa Ana?
It depends on your priorities. Colorado Springs has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,562/mo, while Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with rent of $1,975/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Colorado Springs details → View Santa Ana details →

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