Denver vs Colorado Springs: Cost of Living Comparison
Denver and Colorado Springs are only an hour apart on I-25, but the cost difference can be substantial. Denver commands higher rents as the state capital and primary tech hub, while Colorado Springs offers military-base stability, Olympic Training Center prestige, and significantly cheaper housing. Many remote workers have discovered they can enjoy the same Rocky Mountain lifestyle from the Springs at a meaningful discount, making this an increasingly common intra-state comparison.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Denver | Colorado Springs | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 127 | 110 | Colorado Springs |
| Housing | 168 | 126 | Colorado Springs |
| Groceries | 104 | 101 | Colorado Springs |
| Transportation | 107 | 102 | Colorado Springs |
| Utilities | 97 | 88 | Colorado Springs |
Index values relative to national average of 100. Lower is cheaper.
Visual Cost Comparison
Overall Index
Housing
Groceries
Transportation
Utilities
Green bars indicate the more affordable city in each category. National average = 100.
Salary Equivalent: Denver vs Colorado Springs
To maintain the same standard of living, here's what salaries earned in Denver are worth in Colorado Springs -- and vice versa.
| Salary in Denver | Equivalent in Colorado Springs | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $43,307 | $-6,693 |
| $75,000 | $64,961 | $-10,039 |
| $100,000 | $86,614 | $-13,386 |
| $150,000 | $129,921 | $-20,079 |
Colorado Springs is cheaper, so you need less income to maintain your standard of living. A negative difference means you keep more purchasing power.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Housing (Colorado Springs wins): Housing is 33% more expensive in Denver than Colorado Springs. Denver has a housing index of 168 vs 126. This is typically the largest expense category and drives most of the overall cost difference.
Groceries (Colorado Springs wins): Grocery costs in Denver (index 104) are higher than Colorado Springs (index 101). Both cities are above the national average for groceries.
Transportation (Colorado Springs wins): Transportation costs index 107 in Denver vs 102 in Colorado Springs. This includes gas prices, car insurance, public transit fares, and vehicle maintenance. The difference is modest and unlikely to significantly impact your budget.
Utilities (Colorado Springs wins): Utilities cost more in Denver (index 97) than Colorado Springs (index 88). This covers electricity, natural gas, water, sewage, internet, and phone service. Climate plays a significant role -- cities with extreme temperatures tend to have higher utility costs.
Planning a Move from Denver to Colorado Springs?
Cost of living is just one piece of the puzzle. Use our free calculator to estimate your total moving costs -- movers or truck, flights, housing deposits, storage, and everything in between.
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FAQ -- Denver vs Colorado Springs Cost of Living
Is Denver or Colorado Springs more expensive to live in?
Denver is more expensive overall, with a cost of living index of 127 compared to 110 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is in housing, where Denver costs 42 index points more.
How much more expensive is housing in Denver vs Colorado Springs?
Housing in Denver has an index of 168 compared to 126 in Colorado Springs. That's 33% more expensive. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.
What is a $100,000 salary in Denver worth in Colorado Springs?
A $100,000 salary in Denver is equivalent to approximately $86,614 in Colorado Springs. This means you would need to earn less in Colorado Springs to maintain the same standard of living.
Are groceries cheaper in Denver or Colorado Springs?
Groceries are cheaper in Colorado Springs, with an index of 101 compared to 104 in Denver. The national average is 100, so both cities are above the national average.
Should I move from Denver to Colorado Springs to save money?
Moving from Denver to Colorado Springs could save you money, as Colorado Springs's overall cost of living index is 17 points lower. However, consider your specific situation -- salary differences between markets, state income taxes, and lifestyle preferences all factor in. Use our free calculator to estimate total relocation costs.