Is San Diego, CA cheaper than Colorado Springs, CO?

Based on cost of living data, San Diego, CA is 39.8% more expensive than Colorado Springs, CO. This translates to spending an extra $2985 per month.

What salary do I need in San Diego, CA to live like I do in Colorado Springs, CO?

If you earn $150,000 in Colorado Springs, CO, you'd need approximately $185,825.243 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Colorado Springs, CO and San Diego, CA?

Housing in San Diego, CA is 82.7% more expensive than in Colorado Springs, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,360/month in San Diego, CA compared to $1,800/month in Colorado Springs, CO.

How much can I save per month by moving from Colorado Springs, CO to San Diego, CA?

Living in San Diego, CA costs approximately $2985 more per month than Colorado Springs, CO, or $35825 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Colorado Springs, CO

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San Diego, CA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Colorado Springs, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $3.0K/month more in San Diego, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $185.8K in San Diego, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Colorado Springs, CO area

Overall Cost

↑ 39.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,985

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$35.8K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Colorado Springs, CO

Population:479K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$415K

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:140

Median Home:$980K

Colorado Springs, CO

The Centennial State

479K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Colorado, this city has a population of 479K residents.

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Colorado Springs, CO vs San Diego, CA

Category	Colorado Springs, CO	San Diego, CA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,859/mo	$5,223/mo	↑ $2,365more	82.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,270/mo	$1,571/mo	↑ $301more	23.7%
⚡All Utilities	$454/mo	$634/mo	↑ $180more	39.8%
📦Other	$1,791/mo	$1,892/mo	↑ $100more	5.6%
🛒Groceries	$999/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $79.94more	8.0%
🏥Healthcare	$626/mo	$638/mo	↑ $12.39more	2.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 82.7%

Colorado Springs, CO

$2,859

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Difference

$2,365

🚗Transportation

↑ 23.7%

Colorado Springs, CO

$1,270

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Difference

$301

⚡All Utilities

↑ 39.8%

Colorado Springs, CO

$454

San Diego, CA

$634

Difference

$180

📦Other

↑ 5.6%

Colorado Springs, CO

$1,791

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Difference

$100

🛒Groceries

↑ 8.0%

Colorado Springs, CO

$999

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Difference

$79.94

🏥Healthcare

↑ 2.0%

Colorado Springs, CO

$626

San Diego, CA

$638

Difference

$12.39

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,240

To$2,565

↑ $1,325

1 Bed

From$1,520

To$2,755

↑ $1,235

2 Bed

From$1,800

To$3,360

↑ $1,560

3 Bed

From$2,505

To$4,475

↑ $1,970

Colorado Springs, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,210–$2,050/mo

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,999

Monthly in Colorado Springs, CO

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$3,038

Difference

Home Values

Colorado Springs

San Diego

$415K

Median Value

$980K

↓ -2.2%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +22.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$314K - $709K

Price Range

$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 136% more expensive than Colorado Springs

Calculate payment - Colorado Springs Calculate payment - San Diego

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $4.0K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$336

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.7%

Rate difference

Colorado Springs, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

San Diego, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Additional Tax Information

Colorado Springs, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

San Diego, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.