What Is the Cost of Living in Colorado Springs, CO? [2025]

Thinking about moving to Colorado Springs in 2025? With a cost of living that is 10.3% higher than the national average, the Springs’ natural beauty comes with a small premium but remains more affordable than nearby Denver and Boulder.

Nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak and home to beautiful outdoor spots like the Garden of the Gods and Red Rock Canyon Open Space, residents spend around $4,233 per month to live in Colorado Springs, with housing and transportation as their largest expenses.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about living in Colorado Springs, and how much salary and budget you’ll need to live comfortably in 2025.

Cost of Living in Colorado Springs

How Much Is the Cost of Living in Colorado Springs, CO?

According to Sperling’s BestPlaces, the cost of living in Colorado Springs is 10.3% higher than the average U.S. city, with single residents without children spending around $4,233 a month. This price range makes it much more affordable than cities like Boston and Chicago. Let's see how that breaks down by spending category.

Colorado Springs is much more affordable than Denver across all categories, particularly housing and transportation.

How Much Is Rent in Colorado Springs, CO?

According to the latest Colorado Springs rent report, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,115 and $1,306 for a two-bedroom. The city’s overall median rent is $1,350. Let’s take a look at the city’s average rents, which sit comfortably below the national average.

Popular Colorado Springs neighborhoods include Briargate, Old Colorado City, and Broadmoor, while more budget-friendly spots like Spring Creek, Park Hills, and Westside offer apartments priced below the overall median rent.

Below is a look at how rent prices in Colorado Springs compare with those in Denver, Boulder, and the U.S. national average.

How Much Is Housing in Colorado Springs, CO?

Like many other popular cities, the Colorado Springs housing market has seen steady growth in inventory and prices, with median home prices at $440,500. This is 30.3% more expensive than the national average of $338,100 and 16.4% less expensive than the median Colorado home, which is priced at $527,200.

These prices are significantly lower than those in other competing areas like Denver and Boulder, which have median prices of $576,000 and $997,100, respectively.

What Salary Do I Need to Live in Colorado Springs, CO?

How much rent can you afford? There are many ways to estimate the income you need in a given area. Based on the standard 30% rule, you should not spend more than one-third of your gross income on rent.

For example, if your rent is close to the average apartment in Colorado Springs of $1,654, according to the 30% rule, your annual wages should be around $66,160 before taxes.

However, your recommended salary will depend entirely on the type of lifestyle you plan to lead. The living wage in Colorado Springs is $23.88 an hour for one adult with no children, or $49,670 a year.

However, the living wage accounts only for the amount required to remain above the poverty threshold. It is the basic wage needed to cover essentials such as housing, food, and other necessities; it does not account for savings and extra costs like entertainment and dining out. The U.S. Census Bureau reports the median household income in Colorado Springs is closer to $83,672 per year, or about $40.22 per hour, which is well above the living wage.

The typical annual salaries of common professions in Colorado Springs are highly competitive. For example, the three highest typical annual salaries belong to management, computer and mathematical, and legal positions.

How Much Is Transportation in Colorado Springs, CO?

If you're a single adult without children, you'll spend about $9,469 annually for car-based transportation in Colorado Springs. Two working adults with two children can expect to pay $15,883 on average for car-based transportation.

The official public transportation operator in the Colorado Springs metro area is the Mountain Metropolitan Transit, or Mountain Metro, which provides services across the city and the city limits.

Regular adult tickets for Mountain Metro go for $1.75. Certain groups (youth, seniors, etc.) can ride for a reduced fare $0.85. Mountain Metro tickets can also be purchased in bulk for a flat rate. Pick up an unlimited day pass for $4.00, a 20-ride ticket for $32.00, or a 31-day unlimited ticket for $63.00.

Although downtown Colorado Springs is very walkable with a walk score of 88 and supported by The Zeb (a free shuttle service), the rest of Colorado Springs is still better navigated by car. Thankfully, there are bike shares, ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft and Bustang and Snowstang services for easier connection to Denver and Fort Collins.

How Much Is Food in Colorado Springs, CO?

If you're a single adult without children, you can expect to pay at least $4,394 on groceries per year. However, if you're a family of two working adults and two children, food costs for the year will be approximately $12,881.

From family-friendly spots to hip gastropubs and upscale restaurants, eating out in Colorado Springs costs an average of $20 for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant. A three-course dinner for two people at a midrange restaurant runs $80 on average without alcohol, dessert, or tip. When it comes to grocery market pricing, you can anticipate costs around or slightly below the national average.

Here are some examples of food costs, according to Numbeo:

• Gallon of milk: $3.82
• Loaf of fresh white bread: $3.28
• Rice (1 lb): $2.01
• Dozen large eggs: $5.59
• Local cheese (1 lb): $6.42
• Chicken fillets (1 lb): $6.78
• Beef round (1 lb): $8.47

How Much Is Healthcare in Colorado Springs, CO?

A single adult without children will pay around $2,961 for medical care over the year, while two working adults with two children will pay $8,041. The city is home to UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central and Penrose Hospital, allowing residents to access high-quality medical care.

How Much Are Utilities in Colorado Springs, CO?

Basic utility costs in Colorado Springs include electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, running $190.89 per month, which is slightly less than the national average of $225.58. To prepare for the colder months, you'll need to account for higher utility costs.

Adding on the internet with 60 Mbps or more and unlimited data will cost an extra $99.62, for a total of $290.51 each month.

While summers in Colorado Springs are generally temperate, with the hottest days of the year in July averaging 84 degrees Fahrenheit and rarely exceeding 92 F, winters are freezing and dry. The cold seasons begin mid-to-late November and go through early March, with the coldest days at an average low of 20 F in late December.

If you’re looking to move to Colorado, find out more about how much utilities will cost in an apartment.

How Much Is Child Care in Colorado Springs, CO?

Like all other states, child care is a significant monthly expense. With two caregivers working full time, the MIT Living Wage Calculator estimates that child care costs $17,060 for a single child and $32,017 for two annually. However, if families are open to exploring alternative solutions—nanny shares, remote work arrangements, babysitting swaps with friends, or alternating work shifts with a partner—parents may be able to reduce child care expenses.

Fitness and Entertainment in Colorado Springs, CO

If you plan to keep fit, even during the cold winter months, your monthly budget will want to include the cost of a club membership, which averages $60.50.

Otherwise, most of the year stays temperate with a mild climate, encouraging residents to get outdoors. Enjoy hiking trails and other popular outdoor activities throughout Colorado Springs, exploring Garden of the Gods, wandering through Red Rock Canyon Open Space, or taking in the wildlife and views at Cheyenne Mountain State Park. Families often spend time at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, while sports fans may visit the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center.

For a dose of culture, take a stroll through Old Colorado City Historic District with its galleries, shops, and dining. For history and aviation enthusiasts, the National Museum of World War II Aviation and Edward J. Peterson Air and Space Museum are also popular stops.

There are also plenty of entertainment options throughout the city. For example, a seat at the cinema will cost you $15 without snacks or drinks. You can also save a few bucks by checking one of the 130 neighborhood parks and open spaces. Favorites include Ute Valley Park, Palmer Park, and Bear Creek Regional Park, all offering trails and mountain views.

Other Expenses to Consider in Colorado Springs, CO

Newcomers to Colorado Springs should plan for a few hidden costs unique to the region.

Fire season prep often means budgeting for air purifiers, masks, or higher insurance premiums if you live near the foothills. At over 6,000 feet, the altitude can cause dryness and fatigue, so items like humidifiers, skincare products, and electrolyte drinks quickly become essentials. Winters, though milder than Denver’s, still require snow tires, shovels, ice melt, and higher heating bills—expenses that you may never have dealt with if you’re relocating from a warmer climate.

If you’re moving out of state, it is important to include cross-country movers, storage, hotels, and transportation expenses. Also, there will be additional fees such as apartment application fees, security deposits, pet deposits, and other add-ons.

If you end up renting an unfurnished place, furnishing it can be expensive, though there are ways to do it frugally. Get more tips on decorating your apartment on a budget.

How Much Are Taxes in Colorado Springs, CO?

Colorado Springs has a combined sales tax rate of 8.20%. This breaks down to be:

• 2.90%: state base rate.
• 1.23%: El Paso County.
• 3.07%: Colorado Springs.
• 1.00%: Pikes Peak RTA.

The state of Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.40%, so all residents pay the same percentage regardless of income. Colorado also does not have an estate tax or inheritance tax, and homebuyers benefit from low property taxes, approximately 0.50% of a home’s value.

While taxes won’t likely break the bank in terms of living expenses in Colorado Springs, you’ll need to keep them in mind when moving.

What Is the Job Market like in Colorado Springs, CO?

Because Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region host several major military and defense-related agencies, the local economy is strongly tied to national security and aerospace sectors. Key facilities include Fort Carson, the U.S. Air Force Academy, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, and the former Cheyenne Mountain military complex (now part of U.S. Space Command).

The 2025 unemployment rate in the Colorado Springs metropolitan area has been hovering around 4.0%, which is lower than the statewide unemployment rate of 4.5%, with the U.S. averaging around 4.2% at that time.

Colorado Springs has enjoyed a steady increase in the job market, year over year. The Milken Institute has also ranked Colorado Springs fifth in its nationwide analysis of economic growth, pointing to its “solid labor market, strong high-tech sector, and excellent access to economic opportunities.”

The city also continues to attract new business activity, with business filings rising 7.7% year over year in early 2025, and the education and health services seeing a 5.5% increase in jobs year-on-year.

Ready to Move to Colorado Springs, CO?

Living in Colorado Springs means easy access to some of Colorado’s most stunning natural landscapes within a relatively affordable budget. From housing and transportation to groceries, utilities, healthcare, and entertainment, it’s important to consider every expense before relocating.

To make your move smoother, use the information above as a guide, and don't forget to turn to the Apartment List quiz to find rentals tailored to fit your needs so that you can secure your dream apartment in Colorado Springs. With us, you’ll spend five minutes and save 50 hours searching.

FAQs: Cost of Living in Colorado Springs

Is Colorado Springs expensive to live in?

Colorado Springs is more expensive than the national average (10.3% more), but less expensive than Denver or Boulder, especially for housing and transportation.

How much does rent cost in Colorado Springs in 2025?

As of July 2025, the average rent is $1,465 for a one-bedroom and $1,776 for a two-bedroom.

What are some of the best neighborhoods to live in Colorado Springs?

There are many good neighborhoods—areas like Briargate, Old Colorado City, and Broadmoor have a good mix of housing options for both singles and families.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Colorado Springs?

Using the 30% income-to-rent rule, you’ll need about $66,000 annually to cover rent for the average apartment in Colorado Springs. The MIT Living Wage Calculator puts the living wage at $23.88 per hour for one adult without children, or about $49,670 per year.

Are utilities expensive in Colorado Springs?

The average cost of basic utilities is $190.89 per month, which is slightly below the U.S. average. Adding internet brings the total to about $290.51 per month.

What are grocery prices like in Colorado Springs?

Grocery costs are close to the national average. For example, a gallon of milk is $3.82 (slightly below average), and a dozen large eggs cost $5.59 (higher than average).

What are taxes like in Colorado Springs?

The combined sales tax rate in 2025 is 8.2%, which includes state, county, city, and special district taxes. Colorado also has a flat state income tax of 4.4% and relatively low property taxes (about 0.5% of a home’s value).

Is healthcare affordable in Colorado Springs?

Healthcare costs are below the national average. A single adult can expect to spend around $2,961 annually, while a family of four with two working adults and two children will spend about $8,041.

What is the job market like in Colorado Springs?

The 2025 unemployment rate is around 4% and below the statewide average. The military, aerospace, high-tech, and healthcare sectors drive growth.

Is Colorado Springs good for outdoor activities?

Yes. Residents enjoy access to Garden of the Gods, Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Ute Valley Park, and Pikes Peak, as well as more than 130 neighborhood parks and trails.

How far is Colorado Springs from Denver?

Colorado Springs is 71 miles via Interstate 25. It takes approximately one hour and 10 minutes to drive between Colorado Springs and Denver, depending on traffic. You can also take a bus from the Colorado Springs Downtown Station to Denver, which takes over two hours.

What is the population of Colorado Springs?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the 2025 population of Colorado Springs is 478,961. The entire state of Colorado is home to 5,773,714 people as of the 2020 decennial census.