Median rent is 31% lower in Schenectady ($1,145/mo vs $1,648/mo). Buying is cheaper in Schenectady, where the median home runs $168,800 versus $452,600. Households earn more in Colorado Springs ($84,818 vs $58,399 a year). Taken together, Colorado Springs is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.1 against 98.2 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Colorado Springs, CO.
City A
Colorado Springs, CO
City B
Schenectady, NY
How much would you need to earn in Schenectady, NY to maintain your standard of living from Colorado Springs, CO?
Equivalent salary in Schenectady, NY
$75,049
You'd need $49 more (0% higher).
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
Schenectady
New York
👥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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Schenectady — median rent of $1,145/mo versus $1,648/mo in Colorado Springs, a 31% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Colorado Springs: the median home is $452,600 versus $168,800 in Schenectady — 63% 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
Schenectady
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Colorado Springs (avg AQI 23.0) but not yet for Schenectady.
Pick Colorado Springs if you prioritize higher median household income ($84,818/yr).
Pick Schenectady if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,145/mo median).
Is Colorado Springs cheaper than Schenectady?
Colorado Springs is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.1 versus 98.2 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Colorado Springs.
How much is rent in Colorado Springs vs Schenectady?
Median rent is $1,648/mo in Colorado Springs, CO and $1,145/mo in Schenectady, NY. Schenectady, NY has the lower rent by about 31%.
Which has higher salaries — Colorado Springs or Schenectady?
Median household income is $84,818 in Colorado Springs, CO and $58,399 in Schenectady, NY. Colorado Springs, CO 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 Schenectady?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Schenectady 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 $100,065 in Schenectady, NY (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
