Direct Answer
Colorado Springs, CO has a CostOfCity index of 105, which is 5% above the national baseline. Average modeled rent is $1,648/month and the single-adult living cost estimate is $4,319/month.
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Cost of Living in Colorado Springs: The Full Picture
Colorado Springs — the Springs —: 479,000 people, a cost index of 105, and a local economy powered by a growing inland economy benefiting from coastal spillover without the coastal price tag. That combination produces a cost-of-living profile that's 5% above the national average. The breakdown below spans 62 categories across 6 sectors — home services, startup costs, daily living, insurance, legal fees, and salaries.
Colorado Springs Cost Index by Category
Each bar shows how the Colorado Springs cost index for that category compares to the US national baseline of 100.
Colorado Springs has a balanced western economy mixing outdoor tourism, tech, and traditional industries
The housing market features a housing market that mostly tracks national trends, with surprises in specific neighborhoods
Mild temperatures keep utility costs moderate, but the high cost of environmental compliance adds to construction and renovation budgets.. The lifestyle here is characterized by Farm-to-table dining and a health-conscious culture where premium grocery and fitness options are easy to find..
With costs sitting just above the national average, Colorado Springs offers a neutral financial playing field. No dramatic markups, no exceptional bargains.
💰 Purchasing Power in Colorado Springs
Purchasing power adjusted to national average baseline. In Colorado Springs, your dollar buys 5% less than the national average.
🔺 Where Colorado Springs Costs More
🔽 Where Colorado Springs Costs Less
💰 Salary Landscape
vs national average · higher = better
Monthly Living Expenses in Colorado Springs
What it actually costs to live in Colorado Springs each month — from tight budgets to comfortable lifestyles.
Estimates include housing, food, transportation, utilities, insurance, and discretionary spending. Based on Colorado Springs's cost index of 105 applied to national spending surveys.
🏘️ Neighborhood Cost Variation
Colorado Springs's cost landscape is shaped by geography. Proximity to the coast or mountains drive the sharpest price differences between neighborhoods. A 15-minute drive can mean a 20%+ swing in housing and service costs.
Colorado Springs vs U.S. Average Cost of Living
Category-by-category affordability grades — based on deviation from the national average.
🏠 Home Services in Colorado Springs
What contractors charge for the most common repairs, installations, and remodels
Roof Replacement
+21%HVAC Installation
+24%Plumbing Services
+14%Electrical Work
+7%Kitchen Remodel
+15%Bathroom Remodel
+22%House Painting
+9%Flooring Installation
+17%Landscaping
-7%Fence Installation
+1%Window Replacement
-12%Solar Panel Installation
+16%Water Heater Replacement
+27%Deck Building
+10%Pool Installation
+14%Tree Removal
-7%Garage Door Repair
+30%💼 Business Startup Costs in Colorado Springs
Full startup cost breakdowns — from lease deposits to working capital
Start a Restaurant
-16%Start a Coffee Shop
-16%Start a Food Truck
+17%Start a Gym
-6%Start a Daycare
-14%Start a Hair Salon
-18%Start a Laundromat
-10%Start a Bakery
+9%Start a Bar
+11%Start a Cleaning Business
+17%Start an Airbnb
+12%Start a Trucking Business
+23%📊 Cost of Living in Colorado Springs
Monthly expenses for housing, food, transportation, and everyday necessities
Cost of Living
+8%Rent Prices
+17%Grocery Costs
-15%Utility Costs
+18%Transportation Costs
+19%Childcare Costs
-18%Gym Membership
+5%🛡️ Insurance in Colorado Springs
Annual and monthly premium estimates for major insurance categories
Car Insurance
-16%Home Insurance
-1%Health Insurance
-14%Business Insurance
-6%Life Insurance
+16%Renters Insurance
-14%Pet Insurance
-11%Dental Insurance
+13%Motorcycle Insurance
-3%⚖️ Legal Services in Colorado Springs
Attorney fees, court costs, and total legal service expenses
Personal Injury Lawyer
+10%Divorce Lawyer
+18%DUI Lawyer
-8%Immigration Lawyer
+5%Estate Planning Lawyer
+8%Workers Comp Lawyer
-4%Bankruptcy Lawyer
+1%💰 Salaries & Jobs in Colorado Springs
Annual compensation by experience level, role, and specialization
Software Developer Salary
+19%Registered Nurse Salary
+30%Teacher Salary
+1%Electrician Salary
+34%Plumber Salary
+6%Accountant Salary
+36%Physical Therapist Salary
+23%Police Officer Salary
+22%Dentist Salary
+12%Real Estate Agent Salary
+17%How Much Income Do You Need in Colorado Springs?
✅ Best For
- Small business founders
- Young professionals starting out
- Families seeking work-life balance
- Outdoor enthusiasts
⚠️ Not Ideal For
- Workers in niche industries with few local employers
- Those seeking big-city nightlife
Research Colorado Springs's neighborhoods carefully — costs can vary by 20-40% within the metro area. The most popular areas are affordable enough that location flexibility is a real advantage.
CostOfCity Value Index
The CostOfCity Value Index combines cost-of-living data with median income, savings potential, and cost growth trends to produce a single score. Higher = better value for your money. Updated quarterly.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Springs
Is Colorado Springs, CO expensive to live in?
Colorado Springs's cost of living index is 105, which is 5% above the national average of 100. Colorado Springs is close to the national average in cost.
What are the most expensive cost categories in Colorado Springs?
Like most US cities, housing is the single largest expense in Colorado Springs, typically accounting for 30-40% of household budgets. Insurance and home services tend to be the next most variable categories, influenced by western climate conditions and state regulations.
Is Colorado Springs a good place to start a business?
Colorado Springs's business environment is shaped by CO's regulatory framework and local commercial real estate costs. Moderate costs mean a balanced risk-reward profile for new ventures. Check our business startup cost data for specific figures.
Explore Colorado Springs in Depth
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Compare Colorado Springs Costs Nationally
See how Colorado Springs ranks on major household and life expenses against 300+ US cities — cheapest to most expensive.
Popular Colorado Springs cost & affordability searches
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