Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Rochester is 10% more affordable than Colorado Springs. A $75,000 salary in Colorado Springs is equivalent to $67,143 in Rochester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Colorado salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Colorado Springs has a housing index of 115 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Colorado Springs costs $380,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $225,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Colorado Springs versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Colorado Springs scores 100 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Colorado Springs (104) are higher than Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Colorado Springs is $64,712 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
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