Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Colorado Springs is 18% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $61,523 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 Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Colorado Springs costs $380,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $120,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Colorado Springs versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Colorado Springs scores 100 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Colorado Springs (104) are higher than Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Colorado Springs is $64,712 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Colorado Springs.
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