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

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119

Seattle is 65% more expensive than Colorado Springs.

$1,998/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,562/mo ↓ 22%
$121,984/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$83,198/yr ↓ 32%
$912,100 ↑ 117%
Home Value
$420,700 ↓ 54%
$2,220/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,592/mo ↓ 28%
741,440
Population
483,099

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Colorado Springs, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $436/month cheaper in Colorado Springs, saving renters about $5,232/year.

Median household income is $38,786/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $420,700 in Colorado Springs.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Colorado Springs — common questions

Is Seattle 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 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Colorado Springs?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Colorado Springs it's $1,562/month — a difference of $436/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Colorado Springs?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $83,198 in Colorado Springs. Median household income is $38,786/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Colorado?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Colorado Springs?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Colorado Springs details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Colorado Springs

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