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

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Colorado Springs and Tempe have a similar cost of living.

$1,562/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↑ 4%
$83,198/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↓ 7%
$420,700 ≈ Same
Home Value
$421,900 ≈ Same
$1,592/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↓ 2%
483,099
Population
186,419

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Colorado Springs, CO and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $61/month cheaper in Colorado Springs, saving renters about $732/year.

Median household income is $5,555/year higher in Colorado Springs. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Colorado Springs is $420,700 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado Springs vs Tempe — common questions

Is Colorado Springs or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Colorado Springs is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Colorado Springs and Tempe?
Median rent in Colorado Springs is $1,562/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $61/month.
Which city has higher income, Colorado Springs or Tempe?
Median household income is $83,198 in Colorado Springs and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $5,555/year higher in Colorado Springs.
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 Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Colorado Springs has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,562/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Colorado Springs details → View Tempe details →

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