Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
41% cheaper
Colorado Springs is 41% more affordable than Irvine. A $75,000 salary in Irvine is equivalent to $44,242 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 · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Colorado Springs has a housing index of 115 while Irvine sits at 294 (national average = 100). The median home in Colorado Springs costs $380,000 compared to $1,050,000 in Irvine, a difference of $670,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Colorado Springs versus $3,000 in Irvine.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Colorado Springs scores 100 while Irvine scores 108.
Healthcare costs in Colorado Springs (104) are lower than Irvine (109).
Median household income in Colorado Springs is $64,712 compared to $108,038 in Irvine. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Colorado Springs.
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