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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119

Denver is 24% more expensive than Colorado Springs.

$1,770/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,562/mo ↓ 12%
$91,681/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$83,198/yr ↓ 9%
$586,700 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$420,700 ↓ 28%
$1,839/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,592/mo ↓ 13%
713,734
Population
483,099

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.4%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Colorado Springs, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $208/month cheaper in Colorado Springs, saving renters about $2,496/year.

Median household income is $8,483/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $420,700 in Colorado Springs.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Colorado.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Colorado Springs — common questions

Is Denver or Colorado Springs cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Colorado Springs is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Colorado Springs?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Colorado Springs it's $1,562/month — a difference of $208/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Colorado Springs?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $83,198 in Colorado Springs. Median household income is $8,483/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Colorado?
Both cities are in Colorado and share the same state tax rates: 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Colorado Springs?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Colorado Springs has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,562/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Denver details → View Colorado Springs details →

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