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

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Colorado Springs is 6% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,562/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 23%
$83,198/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 12%
$420,700 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 6%
$1,592/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ≈ Same
483,099
Population
149,519

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
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Colorado Springs, CO and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $355/month cheaper in Colorado Springs, saving renters about $4,260/year.

Median household income is $10,173/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Colorado Springs is $420,700 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado Springs vs Surprise — common questions

Is Colorado Springs or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Colorado Springs is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Colorado Springs and Surprise?
Median rent in Colorado Springs is $1,562/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $355/month.
Which city has higher income, Colorado Springs or Surprise?
Median household income is $83,198 in Colorado Springs and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $10,173/year higher in Surprise.
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 Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Colorado Springs has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,562/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Colorado Springs details → View Surprise details →

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