Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Colorado Springs, CO (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119

Washington is 44% more expensive than Colorado Springs.

$1,900/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,562/mo ↓ 18%
$106,287/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$83,198/yr ↓ 22%
$724,600 ↑ 72%
Home Value
$420,700 ↓ 42%
$2,103/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,592/mo ↓ 24%
672,079
Population
483,099

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Colorado Springs, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $338/month cheaper in Colorado Springs, saving renters about $4,056/year.

Median household income is $23,089/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $420,700 in Colorado Springs.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Colorado Springs — common questions

Is Washington 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 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Colorado Springs?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Colorado Springs it's $1,562/month — a difference of $338/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Colorado Springs?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $83,198 in Colorado Springs. Median household income is $23,089/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Colorado?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Colorado Springs?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Colorado Springs details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Washington and Colorado Springs

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