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

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Colorado Springs is 13% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,562/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 18%
$83,198/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 2%
$420,700 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 14%
$1,592/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 12%
483,099
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Colorado Springs, CO and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $280/month cheaper in Colorado Springs, saving renters about $3,360/year.

Median household income is $1,419/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Colorado Springs is $420,700 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado Springs vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Colorado Springs or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Colorado Springs is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Colorado Springs and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Colorado Springs is $1,562/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $280/month.
Which city has higher income, Colorado Springs or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $83,198 in Colorado Springs and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $1,419/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Colorado Springs has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,562/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Colorado Springs details → View Santa Maria details →

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