Is Colorado Springs, CO cheaper than Washington, DC?

Based on cost of living data, Colorado Springs, CO is 32.2% cheaper than Washington, DC. This translates to saving $2418 per month.

What salary do I need in Colorado Springs, CO to live like I do in Washington, DC?

If you earn $150,000 in Washington, DC, you'd need approximately $120,986.842 in Colorado Springs, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Washington, DC and Colorado Springs, CO?

Housing in Colorado Springs, CO is 54.0% cheaper than in Washington, DC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Colorado Springs, CO compared to $2,470/month in Washington, DC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Washington, DC to Colorado Springs, CO?

Moving from Washington, DC to Colorado Springs, CO could save you approximately $2418 per month, or $29013 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Washington, DC

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Colorado Springs, CO

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Washington, DC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.4K/month moving to Colorado Springs, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $121.0K in Colorado Springs, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area

Overall Cost

↓ 32.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,418

Savings

Annual Impact

$29.0K

Per year

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

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$556K

Colorado Springs, CO

Population:479K

Cost Index:68

Median Home:$415K

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia

690K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Nations capital
•No voting representation in Congress
•Major international city

Major Industries

GovernmentProfessional ServicesTourismEducation

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: Washington, DC vs Colorado Springs, CO

Category	Washington, DC	Colorado Springs, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,211/mo	$2,859/mo	↓ $3,352less	54.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,885/mo	$1,270/mo	↓ $615less	32.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$999/mo	↓ $79.94less	7.4%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$454/mo	↓ $54.64less	10.8%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,791/mo	↓ $33.48less	1.8%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$626/mo	↓ $6.20less	1.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 54.0%

Washington, DC

$6,211

Colorado Springs, CO

$2,859

Difference

$3,352

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 32.6%

Washington, DC

$1,885

Colorado Springs, CO

$1,270

Difference

$615

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.4%

Washington, DC

$1,079

Colorado Springs, CO

$999

Difference

$79.94

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 10.8%

Washington, DC

$508

Colorado Springs, CO

$454

Difference

$54.64

less

📦Other

↓ 1.8%

Washington, DC

$1,825

Colorado Springs, CO

$1,791

Difference

$33.48

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 1.0%

Washington, DC

$632

Colorado Springs, CO

$626

Difference

$6.20

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,150

To$1,240

↓ $910

1 Bed

From$2,215

To$1,520

↓ $695

2 Bed

From$2,470

To$1,800

↓ $670

3 Bed

From$3,115

To$2,505

↓ $610

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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.

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$7,999

Monthly in Colorado Springs, CO

$4,141

Difference

Home Values

Washington

Colorado Springs

$556K

Median Value

$415K

↓ -2.2%

YoY Change

↓ -2.2%

↓ -5.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +22.4%

$233K - $1.35M

Price Range

$314K - $709K

Homes in Colorado Springs are 25% less expensive than Washington

Calculate payment - Washington Calculate payment - Colorado Springs

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$379

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.0%

Rate difference

Washington, DC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

District of Columbia State Tax

Effective: 7.4%

$11.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 32.1%

$48.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,486/month

$101.8K

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

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.