Colorado Springs Cost of Living 2026: What Relocators Need to Budget Beyond the Home Price

The cost of living in Colorado Springs is approximately 1–2% above the national average, with utilities 22–23% below and housing 4–10% above the national benchmark. If you're PCSing or relocating to the city, that headline number understates the real picture: some budget categories are meaningfully cheaper than most U.S. metros, while others—car insurance, housing, dining out—will run higher than you might expect.

This article covers every major expense category with specific numbers, so you can run the math before your household goods truck arrives. For a broader look at daily life in the city, see our Living in Colorado Springs Guide.

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Colorado Springs Cost of Living: The Big Picture

Colorado Springs' overall cost of living sits about 1–2% above the national average—nearly on par with U.S. norms—but that average masks wide variation across categories that matter most to relocating families.

The city's military installations—Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, and the U.S. Air Force Academy—bring a steady stream of relocating families each year. That demand, combined with a documented housing deficit of 13,000 to 27,000 homes, shapes the cost environment in ways that go well beyond a single percentage point.

Here's how each major budget category stacks up against the national average:

Cost Category	vs. National Average
Overall	+1–2%
Housing	+4–10%
Utilities	−22–23%
Groceries	+3%
Transportation (basic)	−1–4%
Healthcare	−4%
Car Insurance	Significantly above average (Colorado ranks among highest-cost states)

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Housing in 2026: What Buyers and Renters Are Actually Paying

The median home price in Colorado Springs reached approximately $490,000–$540,000 in 2026, requiring roughly $138,000/year in income to meet the standard 30% housing guideline, while renters can find 2BR/2BA units for $1,600–$2,000/month.

According to KKTV's May 2026 report on the Colorado Springs City Council work session, officials cited a figure of $540,000—likely reflecting average closed prices or a specific submarket rather than the city-wide median sale price. Market platforms show a notably lower range: Zillow tracked the city average at approximately $447,000 in May 2026 (down 4.6% year-over-year), while Redfin's median sale price for the same period was approximately $450,000 (down 5.3% YoY). For planning purposes, most buyers should work with $440,000–$490,000 as the realistic median range; the $540,000 figure represents the upper end of government-cited data and should be treated accordingly.

At the council's cited price, the all-in monthly payment (mortgage, taxes, and insurance) runs approximately $3,457, requiring roughly $138,000/year to stay within the 30% housing guideline—against a median city income of $87,000. At the market median of ~$450,000, that monthly payment drops to approximately $3,000–$3,200, still requiring $120,000–$128,000/year.

For buyers with VA loan eligibility, those numbers look very different. VA loans require no down payment, which significantly reduces upfront cash at closing and can make monthly ownership costs competitive with renting. Our VA loan guide for Colorado Springs buyers walks through eligibility, entitlement, and what to expect at current rates.

On the rental side, conditions have shifted in renters' favor. A wave of new apartment construction created temporary oversupply, and 2BR/2BA units are now commonly available in the $1,600–$2,000/month range. 719 Lending's February 2026 analysis puts the median rent at $1,615/month with approximately 4,400 units on the market.

Prices vary by neighborhood. Based on early 2026 data, here's a sample of median home prices across common destination areas:

Neighborhood	Median Home Price
Powers	~$430,000
Old North End	~$515,000
Broadmoor	~$528,000
Briargate	~$545,000

One additional benchmark: Colorado Springs home prices run 19–23% lower than Denver's, which matters if you're comparing Front Range assignments.

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Utilities: Colorado Springs' Biggest Budget Advantage

Utilities in Colorado Springs average $80–$150/month for an apartment and $150–$250/month for a house—22–23% below the national average, making this the single largest recurring cost advantage the city offers relocators.

The discount translates to hundreds of dollars in annual savings, particularly for families in larger homes or those arriving from high-utility markets in the Northeast or Southwest.

One caveat worth knowing before you arrive: Colorado Springs Utilities has implemented time-of-use pricing with higher rates during peak hours. Shifting high-draw appliances outside those windows preserves the savings:

Time Window	Rate Tier	Best Practice
Before 5 p.m. / after 9 p.m.	Standard	Dishwasher, laundry, EV charging
5 p.m.–9 p.m.	Peak (higher)	Avoid high-draw appliances

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Groceries and Dining: What to Expect at the Store and Out

A single adult spends roughly $430–$480/month on groceries in Colorado Springs—about 3% above the national average—while dining out has become noticeably more expensive, with casual restaurant meals roughly doubling in price since 2021.

The grocery premium is modest in absolute terms. 719 Lending's 2026 data cites approximately $441/month as the baseline for one person; families of four should budget closer to $1,200–$1,500/month.

The dining-out picture is different. Community feedback from current Colorado Springs residents is consistent: a casual dinner for two that cost $40–$50 four years ago commonly runs $70–$90 today. If you're accustomed to eating out several times per week, this is a line item worth recalibrating before the move.

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Transportation: Gas, Cars, and the Insurance Reality

Budget $700–$1,000/month for transportation as a single driver in Colorado Springs: gas and basic costs run 1–4% below the national average, but car insurance runs $150–$400+ per vehicle—one of the highest rate environments in the country.

Colorado Springs is a car-dependent city. Public transit options exist but cover limited routes; most residents drive to work, errands, and outdoor recreation. Per EIA data for Colorado, state gas prices in early 2026 ran in the low-to-mid $2.00/gallon range—well below the national average.

Car insurance is where that transportation saving disappears. Colorado consistently ranks among the most expensive states for auto insurance nationally, driven by severe weather claims, high litigation frequency, and rising repair costs. Residents in community discussions reported paying over $400/month for two vehicles. Budget at minimum $150–$200/month per vehicle, and get carrier quotes specific to El Paso County before your move date.

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Healthcare: A Modest but Real Saving

Healthcare in Colorado Springs costs roughly 4% less than the national average—a saving that adds up for families paying out-of-pocket premiums and routine care costs, even if it won't reshape a monthly budget on its own.

For active-duty military families covered by Tricare, this section applies most directly to veterans, retirees on VA healthcare, and civilians in the area. Healthcare infrastructure in Colorado Springs is solid: multiple hospital systems and specialist access are what you'd expect from a city of 465,000 with a significant military population.

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Jobs and Income: Can Colorado Wages Keep Up With Costs?

Colorado Springs workers earn roughly $33.21/hour on average—just 1.7% above the U.S. national average of $32.66/hour, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment data—while median home prices have grown 141% over the past decade against income growth of just 48%.

That near-flat wage premium is the core of the affordability problem. Unlike Denver, where tech and finance sectors pull the state average upward, the Colorado Springs job market runs on defense contractors, healthcare, retail, and military-adjacent services—industries that pay close to the national norm rather than the state headline figure.

Per KKTV's May 2026 reporting on city council data, incomes in El Paso County grew 48% over the past decade—but average rents grew 111% and median home prices grew 141%. Relocators bringing a remote salary, a military income, or a BAH allowance have a clear advantage that local-wage earners often do not. If your income is tied to the local job market, build extra cushion into your housing budget.

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What the Colorado Springs Cost of Living Means for Your Monthly Budget

A realistic all-in monthly budget for a single adult in Colorado Springs starts around $3,800–$4,500, while a family of four should plan for $6,500–$9,000/month—numbers that shift considerably depending on whether you're renting or carrying a mortgage.

Here's a practical breakdown by household type:

Single adult renting a 1BR (~$1,400–$1,600/month)

Category	Monthly Estimate
Housing (rent + utilities)	$1,500–$1,800
Groceries	$430–$480
Transportation (car + gas + insurance)	$700–$1,000
Healthcare (out-of-pocket + premiums)	$200–$400
Dining, entertainment, personal	$400–$700
Total	$3,230–$4,380

Family of four renting a 2BR/2BA (~$1,700–$2,000/month)

Category	Monthly Estimate
Housing (rent + utilities)	$1,800–$2,300
Groceries	$1,200–$1,500
Transportation (2 vehicles)	$1,400–$2,000
Healthcare	$400–$700
Dining, activities, school costs	$800–$1,200
Total	$5,600–$7,700

For homebuying families, substitute the $3,457 average monthly mortgage payment for the rent line. Military families using a VA loan with no down payment can often make homeownership pencil out close to—or only modestly above—the rental equivalent.

Getting a full picture of the cost of living in Colorado Springs before your move date—across every category, not just housing—is the most practical first step you can take. The Living in Colorado Springs Guide covers the lifestyle side in full.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Colorado Springs expensive to live in?

Colorado Springs sits about 1–2% above the national cost-of-living average overall. Utilities and healthcare are below average; housing and car insurance are above. Whether it feels expensive depends heavily on your income source—military compensation, BAH, and remote salaries typically stretch much further than local-market wages.

How does the cost of living in Colorado Springs compare to Denver?

Colorado Springs is meaningfully more affordable than Denver. Home prices run 19–23% lower, and the overall cost-of-living index is noticeably better. For families who want a Colorado Front Range location without Denver prices, Colorado Springs consistently wins that comparison.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Colorado Springs in 2026?

For a single adult renting, $55,000–$65,000/year supports a reasonable standard of living. For a homebuying family, city council data pegs the threshold at $138,000/year based on a $540,000 cited price; at the market-tracked median of $440,000–$490,000, that figure drops to approximately $120,000–$130,000/year. VA loan benefits can substantially lower the upfront barrier for qualifying military families regardless of which price point applies.

Is Colorado Springs a good place for a military PCS move?

Yes. Colorado Springs has one of the highest concentrations of military installations in the country—Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, NORAD, and the U.S. Air Force Academy. VA loan eligibility, BAH, and access to on-base services all improve the affordability picture significantly. For a full overview of neighborhoods, schools, and what to expect day-to-day, see the Living in Colorado Springs Guide.

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Written by Daniel Padilla | The PCS Team

Heading to Colorado Springs on PCS orders? Reach out to Daniel and The PCS Team for a free relocation consultation—covering neighborhoods, school zones, and BAH-aligned housing options tailored to your timeline.

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