Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
20% cheaper
Colorado Springs is 20% more affordable than Columbia. A $75,000 salary in Columbia is equivalent to $59,659 in Colorado Springs.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Colorado salaries · Maryland salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Colorado Springs has a housing index of 115 while Columbia sits at 172 (national average = 100). The median home in Colorado Springs costs $380,000 compared to $430,000 in Columbia, a difference of $50,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Colorado Springs versus $1,900 in Columbia.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Colorado Springs scores 100 while Columbia scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Colorado Springs (104) are higher than Columbia (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Colorado Springs is $64,712 compared to $112,738 in Columbia. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Colorado Springs.
Amazon affiliate links