Median rent is 29% lower in Colorado Springs ($1,648/mo vs $2,313/mo). Buying is cheaper in Colorado Springs, where the median home runs $452,600 versus $906,700. Households earn more in San Diego ($108,077 vs $84,818 a year). Taken together, Colorado Springs is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.1 against 110.7 — about 11% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in San Diego, CA.
Cost of living verdict
Colorado Springs is 11% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 98.1 in Colorado Springs vs 110.7 in San Diego (US national average = 100)
City A
Colorado Springs, CO
City B
San Diego, CA
How much would you need to earn in San Diego, CA to maintain your standard of living from Colorado Springs, CO?
Equivalent salary in San Diego, CA
$84,653
You'd need $9,653 more (13% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Colorado Springs
Colorado
San Diego
California
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: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Colorado Springs — median rent of $1,648/mo versus $2,313/mo in San Diego, a 29% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in San Diego: the median home is $906,700 versus $452,600 in Colorado Springs — 50% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Colorado Springs
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
San Diego
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Colorado Springs has cleaner air on average: 23.0 AQI (Good) compared to 59.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Colorado Springs if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.1 vs 110.7).
Pick San Diego if you prioritize higher median household income ($108,077/yr).
Pick Colorado Springs if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,648/mo median).
Pick Colorado Springs if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 23.0).
Is Colorado Springs cheaper than San Diego?
Colorado Springs is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.1 versus 110.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 11% lower in Colorado Springs.
How much is rent in Colorado Springs vs San Diego?
Median rent is $1,648/mo in Colorado Springs, CO and $2,313/mo in San Diego, CA. Colorado Springs, CO has the lower rent by about 29%.
Which has higher salaries — Colorado Springs or San Diego?
Median household income is $84,818 in Colorado Springs, CO and $108,077 in San Diego, CA. San Diego, CA 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?
Colorado Springs, CO has better air quality on average: 23.0 AQI versus 59.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Colorado Springs or San Diego?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in San Diego 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 $112,871 in San Diego, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
