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

San Jose

California

254

Colorado Springs

Colorado

119

San Jose is 135% more expensive than Colorado Springs.

$2,617/mo ↑ 68%

Median Rent

$1,562/mo ↓ 40%

$141,565/yr ↑ 70%

Median Income

$83,198/yr ↓ 41%

$1,187,800 ↑ 182%

Home Value

$420,700 ↓ 65%

$2,775/mo ↑ 74%

Owner Costs

$1,592/mo ↓ 43%

990,054

Population

483,099

Tax Comparison

13.3%

Income Tax

4.4%

7.25%

Sales Tax

2.9%

0.71%

Property Tax

0.51%

Affordability

22.2%

rent-to-income

Affordability

22.5%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Colorado Springs, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,055/month cheaper in Colorado Springs, saving renters about $12,660/year.

Median household income is $58,367/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 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 Jose vs Colorado Springs — common questions

Is San Jose 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 254 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between San Jose and Colorado Springs?

Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Colorado Springs it's $1,562/month — a difference of $1,055/month.

Which city has higher income, San Jose or Colorado Springs?

Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $83,198 in Colorado Springs. Median household income is $58,367/year higher in San Jose.

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 Jose or Colorado Springs?

It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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.