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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Thinking about swapping San Antonio's affordable living for Colorado Springs's military presence? Beyond lifestyle preferences, the cost of living comparison between these two cities reveals meaningful differences in housing, taxes, and daily expenses.

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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You'd spend $989/month more in Colorado Springs, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $161.9K in Colorado Springs, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates Β· COL index from San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX area
Overall Cost
↑ 13.2%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$989
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$11.9K
Per year

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

San Antonio, TX

Population:1547K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$215K

Colorado Springs, CO

Population:479K
Cost Index:
113
(13% above avg)
Median Home:$415K

San Antonio, TX

The Lone Star State

1.5M
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 1.5M residents.

πŸ’‘ Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Colorado Springs, CO

The Centennial State

479K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: San Antonio, TX vs Colorado Springs, CO

Housing
↑ 36.1%
San Antonio, TX
$2,100
Colorado Springs, CO
$2,859
Difference
$759
more
Other
↑ 8.7%
San Antonio, TX
$1,647
Colorado Springs, CO
$1,791
Difference
$144
more
Healthcare
↑ 18.8%
San Antonio, TX
$527
Colorado Springs, CO
$626
Difference
$99.13
more
Groceries
↑ 9.4%
San Antonio, TX
$913
Colorado Springs, CO
$999
Difference
$85.94
more
All Utilities
↓ 8.5%
San Antonio, TX
$496
Colorado Springs, CO
$454
Difference
$42.07
less
Transportation
↓ 1.3%
San Antonio, TX
$1,287
Colorado Springs, CO
$1,270
Difference
$16.39
less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,110
To$1,240
↑ $130
1 Bed
From$1,210
To$1,520
↑ $310
2 Bed
From$1,470
To$1,800
↑ $330
3 Bed
From$1,890
To$2,505
↑ $615
San Antonio, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $840–$1,770/mo

Colorado Springs, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,210–$2,050/mo

πŸ’‘ 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.

$6,969
Monthly in San Antonio, TX
$7,999
Monthly in Colorado Springs, CO
$1,029
Difference

Home Values

San Antonio
Colorado Springs
$215K
Median Value
$415K
↓ -2.9%
YoY Change
↓ -2.2%
↑ +16.7%
5-Year Change
↑ +22.4%
$107K - $905K
Price Range
$314K - $709K

Homes in Colorado Springs are 93% more expensive than San Antonio

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↓ $6.6K
More taxes
Monthly Difference
$550
Less take-home
Effective Rate Diff
4.4%
Rate difference

San Antonio, TX

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Texas State Tax
No state income tax
$0
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 24.7%
$37.0K
Take-Home Pay
$9,416/month
$113.0K

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

Additional Tax Information

San Antonio, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.8%

Colorado Springs, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%
Property Tax:0.5%

πŸ’‘ 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.

Environment

San Antonio
Colorado Springs
52 Moderate
Air Quality
49 Good
47.5%
Good Air Days
55.2%
99 High
Climate Risk
94 Moderate
🌊🌑πŸŒͺ
Top Hazards
πŸ”₯🌊πŸŒͺ
β–²+2.6Β°F
2050 Outlook
β–²+3.0Β°F
105 days
Heat Days >95Β°F
9 days
β–²+2.6Β°F
2050 Outlook
β–²+3.0Β°F
105 days
Heat Days >95Β°F
9 days

What to Consider When Moving from San Antonio, TX to Colorado Springs, CO

Relocating from San Antonio, TX to Colorado Springs, CO involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is roughly 13% higher in Colorado Springs, CO, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Colorado Springs, CO is 36% more expensive than in San Antonio, TX. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas β€” not just city averages β€” before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Colorado Springs, CO pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Colorado Springs, CO to match your current standard of living in San Antonio, TX.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general β€œfeel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Colorado Springs, CO for a week before making a final decision β€” experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: San Antonio, TX vs Colorado Springs, CO

Is Colorado Springs, CO cheaper than San Antonio, TX?

Colorado Springs, CO is approximately 13.2% more expensive than San Antonio, TX overall. On a $150,000 salary, that translates to roughly $989/month in additional expenses. Housing is the biggest factor, costing 36% more in Colorado Springs, CO.

What salary do I need in Colorado Springs, CO to match my lifestyle in San Antonio, TX?

If you currently earn $150,000 in San Antonio, TX, you would need approximately $161,868 in Colorado Springs, CO to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between San Antonio, TX and Colorado Springs, CO?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $1,470/month in San Antonio, TX compared to $1,800/month in Colorado Springs, CO. One-bedroom apartments are $1,210/month in San Antonio, TX vs $1,520/month in Colorado Springs, CO. These are area-wide medians β€” specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in San Antonio, TX or Colorado Springs, CO?

Groceries are about 9% more expensive in Colorado Springs, CO than in San Antonio, TX, which adds roughly $85.94/month to a typical household budget. This covers common items like produce, dairy, meat, and pantry staples based on BLS consumer expenditure data.

What is the best time to move from San Antonio, TX to Colorado Springs, CO?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

πŸ’° See how taxes change too β€” compare take-home pay between Texas and Colorado on TaxTakeHome.com

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