Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Colorado Springs is 18% more affordable than Sacramento. A $75,000 salary in Sacramento 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 Sacramento sits at 163 (national average = 100). The median home in Colorado Springs costs $380,000 compared to $450,000 in Sacramento, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Colorado Springs versus $1,700 in Sacramento.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Colorado Springs scores 100 while Sacramento scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Colorado Springs (104) are lower than Sacramento (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Colorado Springs is $64,712 compared to $64,660 in Sacramento. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Colorado Springs.
Amazon affiliate links