Car Ownership Cost in Colorado Springs, CO (2026)
Owning a car in Colorado Springs costs approximately $12,428/year ($1,036/month) — 2% above the national average.
$12,428
Total annual cost
$1,036
Per month
$1,860
Annual insurance
Direct Answer
Owning a car in Colorado Springs, CO costs about $12,428 per year, or $1,036 per month. That is 2% above the national car ownership benchmark, with insurance at $1,860 and fuel at $2,257 per year.
Annual total
$12,428
Range: $8,255-$18,415
Monthly cost
$1,036
Insurance, fuel, parking, maintenance, fees, financing, depreciation
Largest cost
$3,719
Depreciation is usually the hidden driver
Car-light signal
Likely car-needed
Focus savings on insurance, fuel, and financing
Car ownership in Colorado Springs is near the national average.
Full Car Ownership Cost Breakdown — Colorado Springs
Estimates based on AAA vehicle cost data and BLS CPI, adjusted for Colorado Springs's cost index (105). Assumes one average new vehicle (~$35,000). Range: $8,255–$18,415.
Colorado Springs vs. National Average
Colorado Springs
$12,428/yr
National Average
$12,182/yr
Annual Difference
+$246
(+2%)
Ways to Reduce Car Costs in Colorado Springs
✓Shop auto insurance annually — Colorado Springs's average of $1,860/yr can vary by 30–40% between carriers.
✓Consider a used vehicle — depreciation ($3,719/yr) is the largest hidden cost of new car ownership.
✓Parking in Colorado Springs is relatively affordable at $1,304/year — below-average for a US city of this size.
✓Bundle auto + renters/homeowners insurance for discounts of 10–15% on both policies.
✓In Colorado Springs, a car is essentially a necessity. Focus savings on insurance, fuel efficiency, and avoiding high-interest financing.
Car Ownership Decision Checklist
Quote insurance locally before moving; the modeled benchmark is $1,860/year but carrier spreads can be wide.
Add parking and tolls separately; the modeled $1,304/year can change block by block.
Do not ignore depreciation and financing, which add about $5,089/year before fuel or repairs.
Plan for a full car budget in Colorado Springs; transit substitution is less reliable for most households.
More for Colorado Springs
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to own a car in Colorado Springs?
Total car ownership in Colorado Springs costs approximately $12,428/year ($1,036/month). This includes $1,860 for insurance, $2,257 for gas, $1,304 for parking, and $1,461 for maintenance and repairs.
How much is car insurance in Colorado Springs?
Auto insurance in Colorado Springs averages approximately $1,860/year ($155/month) for a typical driver. Rates vary significantly based on driving record, vehicle type, and coverage level. Shop multiple carriers annually to find the best rate.
Is it expensive to own a car in Colorado Springs?
Car ownership in Colorado Springs is near the national average at $12,428/year.
What is the biggest car expense in Colorado Springs?
Depreciation is typically the largest car ownership cost at $3,719/year, followed by financing ($1,370/year) and insurance ($1,860/year).