Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Colorado Springs is 15% more affordable than Scottsdale. A $75,000 salary in Scottsdale is equivalent to $64,024 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 · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Colorado Springs has a housing index of 115 while Scottsdale sits at 162 (national average = 100). The median home in Colorado Springs costs $380,000 compared to $580,000 in Scottsdale, a difference of $200,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Colorado Springs versus $2,000 in Scottsdale.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Colorado Springs scores 100 while Scottsdale scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Colorado Springs (104) are higher than Scottsdale (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Colorado Springs is $64,712 compared to $92,298 in Scottsdale. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Colorado Springs.
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