Cost of Living: Colorado Springs, CO vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Colorado Springs is 28% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,562/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 22%
$83,198/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 29%
$420,700 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 69%
$1,592/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 15%
483,099
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
2.5%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Colorado Springs, CO and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $348/month cheaper in Colorado Springs, saving renters about $4,176/year.

Median household income is $24,174/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Colorado Springs is $420,700 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado Springs vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Colorado Springs or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Colorado Springs is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Colorado Springs and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Colorado Springs is $1,562/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $348/month.
Which city has higher income, Colorado Springs or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $83,198 in Colorado Springs and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $24,174/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Arizona?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Colorado Springs or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Colorado Springs has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,562/mo, while Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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