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

Based on cost of living data, Colorado Springs, CO is 28.5% cheaper than San Diego, CA. This translates to saving $2135 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Diego, CA, you'd need approximately $124,375 in Colorado Springs, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Colorado Springs, CO is 45.3% cheaper than in San Diego, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Colorado Springs, CO compared to $3,360/month in San Diego, CA.

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

Moving from San Diego, CA to Colorado Springs, CO could save you approximately $2135 per month, or $25625 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

San Diego, CA

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Colorado Springs, CO

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Diego, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.1K/month moving to Colorado Springs, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $124.4K in Colorado Springs, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 28.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,135

Savings

Annual Impact

$25.6K

Per year

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

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$980K

Colorado Springs, CO

Population:479K

Cost Index:72

Median Home:$415K

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

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 Diego, CA vs Colorado Springs, CO

Category	San Diego, CA	Colorado Springs, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,223/mo	$2,859/mo	↓ $2,365less	45.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,571/mo	$1,270/mo	↓ $301less	19.1%
⚡All Utilities	$634/mo	$454/mo	↓ $180less	28.4%
📦Other	$1,892/mo	$1,791/mo	↓ $100less	5.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$999/mo	↓ $79.94less	7.4%
🏥Healthcare	$638/mo	$626/mo	↓ $12.39less	1.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 45.3%

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Colorado Springs, CO

$2,859

Difference

$2,365

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 19.1%

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Colorado Springs, CO

$1,270

Difference

$301

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 28.4%

San Diego, CA

$634

Colorado Springs, CO

$454

Difference

$180

less

📦Other

↓ 5.3%

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Colorado Springs, CO

$1,791

Difference

$100

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.4%

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Colorado Springs, CO

$999

Difference

$79.94

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 1.9%

San Diego, CA

$638

Colorado Springs, CO

$626

Difference

$12.39

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,565

To$1,240

↓ $1,325

1 Bed

From$2,755

To$1,520

↓ $1,235

2 Bed

From$3,360

To$1,800

↓ $1,560

3 Bed

From$4,475

To$2,505

↓ $1,970

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/mo

Colorado Springs, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,210–$2,050/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.

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$7,999

Monthly in Colorado Springs, CO

$3,038

Difference

Home Values

San Diego

Colorado Springs

$980K

Median Value

$415K

↓ -3%

YoY Change

↓ -2.2%

↑ +37.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +22.4%

$598K - $2.01M

Price Range

$314K - $709K

Homes in Colorado Springs are 58% less expensive than San Diego

Calculate payment - San Diego Calculate payment - Colorado Springs

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$336

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.7%

Rate difference

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

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 Diego, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Colorado Springs, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 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.