Cost of Living: San Diego, CA vs Colorado Springs, CO (2026)

San Diego

California
197
VS

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119

San Diego is 66% more expensive than Colorado Springs.

$2,223/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,562/mo ↓ 30%
$104,321/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$83,198/yr ↓ 20%
$848,500 ↑ 102%
Home Value
$420,700 ↓ 50%
$2,308/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,592/mo ↓ 31%
1,385,061
Population
483,099

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Colorado Springs, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $661/month cheaper in Colorado Springs, saving renters about $7,932/year.

Median household income is $21,123/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $420,700 in Colorado Springs.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Colorado Springs slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Colorado Springs — common questions

Is San Diego 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 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Colorado Springs?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Colorado Springs it's $1,562/month — a difference of $661/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Colorado Springs?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $83,198 in Colorado Springs. Median household income is $21,123/year higher in San Diego.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to San Diego or Colorado Springs?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Colorado Springs details →

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