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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119

San Francisco is 124% more expensive than Colorado Springs.

$2,419/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$1,562/mo ↓ 35%
$141,446/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$83,198/yr ↓ 41%
$1,380,500 ↑ 228%
Home Value
$420,700 ↓ 70%
$2,620/mo ↑ 65%
Owner Costs
$1,592/mo ↓ 39%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Colorado Springs, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $857/month cheaper in Colorado Springs, saving renters about $10,284/year.

Median household income is $58,248/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 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 Francisco vs Colorado Springs — common questions

Is San Francisco 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 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Colorado Springs?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Colorado Springs it's $1,562/month — a difference of $857/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Colorado Springs?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $83,198 in Colorado Springs. Median household income is $58,248/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Colorado Springs?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Colorado Springs details →

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