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

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119

Phoenix is 8% cheaper than Colorado Springs.

$1,458/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,562/mo ↑ 7%
$77,041/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$83,198/yr ↑ 8%
$381,900 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$420,700 ↑ 10%
$1,430/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,592/mo ↑ 11%
1,624,832
Population
483,099

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Colorado Springs, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $104/month cheaper in Phoenix, saving renters about $1,248/year.

Median household income is $6,157/year higher in Colorado Springs. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $420,700 in Colorado Springs.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Colorado Springs — common questions

Is Phoenix or Colorado Springs cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Phoenix is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Colorado Springs?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Colorado Springs it's $1,562/month — a difference of $104/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Colorado Springs?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $83,198 in Colorado Springs. Median household income is $6,157/year higher in Colorado Springs.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Colorado?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Colorado Springs?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Colorado Springs details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Phoenix and Colorado Springs

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