Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
34% cheaper
Colorado Springs is 34% more affordable than San Diego. A $75,000 salary in San Diego is equivalent to $49,219 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 San Diego sits at 248 (national average = 100). The median home in Colorado Springs costs $380,000 compared to $800,000 in San Diego, a difference of $420,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Colorado Springs versus $2,500 in San Diego.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Colorado Springs scores 100 while San Diego scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Colorado Springs (104) are lower than San Diego (107). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Colorado Springs is $64,712 compared to $79,646 in San Diego. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Colorado Springs.
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