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

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

Colorado Springs is 31% cheaper than Santa Rosa.

$1,562/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↑ 33%
$83,198/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↑ 17%
$420,700 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$685,000 ↑ 63%
$1,592/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↑ 34%
483,099
Population
177,216

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Colorado Springs, CO and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $522/month cheaper in Colorado Springs, saving renters about $6,264/year.

Median household income is $14,212/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Colorado Springs is $420,700 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado Springs vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Colorado Springs or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Colorado Springs is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Colorado Springs and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Colorado Springs is $1,562/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $522/month.
Which city has higher income, Colorado Springs or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $83,198 in Colorado Springs and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $14,212/year higher in Santa Rosa.
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 Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Colorado Springs has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,562/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Colorado Springs details → View Santa Rosa details →

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