Median rent is 13% lower in Concord ($1,365/mo vs $1,562/mo). Buying is cheaper in Concord, where the median home runs $327,600 versus $420,700. Households earn more in Concord ($84,752 vs $83,198 a year). Taken together, Concord is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 96.8 against 96.8 — about 0% lower overall prices.
City A
Colorado Springs, CO
City B
Concord, NC
How much would you need to earn in Concord, NC to maintain your standard of living from Colorado Springs, CO?
Equivalent salary in Concord, NC
$74,961
You could earn $39 less (0% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Colorado Springs
Colorado
Concord
North Carolina
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Concord at $1,365/mo compared to $1,562/mo in Colorado Springs (13% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Colorado Springs: the median home is $420,700 versus $327,600 in Concord — 22% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Colorado's top income tax rate is 4.40% versus 4.50% in North Carolina, so Colorado Springs is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 2.90% in Colorado and 4.75% in North Carolina; Colorado Springs has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Colorado Springs
Income tax: 4.40%
Sales tax: 2.90%
Concord
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Air quality data is available for Colorado Springs (avg AQI 34.0) but not yet for Concord.
Pick Concord if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,365/mo median).
Pick Colorado Springs if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.40%).
Is Colorado Springs cheaper than Concord?
Concord is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.8 versus 96.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Concord.
How much is rent in Colorado Springs vs Concord?
Median rent is $1,562/mo in Colorado Springs, CO and $1,365/mo in Concord, NC. Concord, NC has the lower rent by about 13%.
Which has higher salaries — Colorado Springs or Concord?
Median household income is $83,198 in Colorado Springs, CO and $84,752 in Concord, NC. Concord, NC has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Colorado Springs or Concord?
Colorado's top income tax rate is 4.40% and North Carolina's is 4.50%. Colorado Springs, CO has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Concord to match my Colorado Springs income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Colorado Springs, CO is equivalent to roughly $99,947 in Concord, NC (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology