Quick answer
🟡 Yes, but tightly. A physical therapist in Colorado Springs earns roughly $101,847/yr (~$5,597/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,450/mo — that's 26% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
CO · 2026
Can a Physical Therapist Afford to Live in Colorado Springs?
Using local salary estimates and Colorado Springs's actual cost of living — rent, taxes, utilities, and groceries — here's the real monthly picture for a physical therapist in Colorado Springs, CO in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$101,847/yr local estimate
$8,487
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
4.4% state income tax
-$2,890
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$5,597
1BR rent
26% of take-home
-$1,450
Utilities
Electric, gas, internet avg
-$165
Groceries
Single-person estimate
-$395
Transport
Car or transit average
-$350
Left for everything else
Dining, clothing, fun, savings
$3,237
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a physical therapist in Colorado Springs could save roughly $15,540/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 26% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 26% of take-home pay, a physical therapist in Colorado Springs is near the limit. Livable, but there's little buffer for emergencies or lifestyle upgrades.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $101,847/yr — adjusted from the national Physical Therapist median of $99,710/yr based on Colorado Springs's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in Colorado Springs for a Physical Therapist
Based on walkability, rent levels, and quality of life — not just lowest price.
Old North End
Historic neighborhood with character homes, tree-lined streets, and genuine walkability. Most walkable area in the city. Good for people seeking urban feel.
Patty Jewett
Residential, family-oriented, near golf course and parks. Middle-class feel, more affordable than Old North End, less walkable.
Broadmoor
Wealthy enclave, resort, golf, lake, shopping. High-end living, very car-dependent, most expensive neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Physical Therapist in Colorado Springs?
A Physical Therapist in Colorado Springs earns approximately $101,847 per year, based on the national BLS median of $99,710/yr adjusted for Colorado Springs's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Colorado Springs affordable for a physical therapist in 2026?
Manageable. Rent takes 26% of take-home, which is right at the limit. A physical therapist can make it work but should keep other expenses lean.
How much take-home pay does a Physical Therapist get in Colorado Springs?
After federal taxes, 4.4% state income tax, and FICA, a Physical Therapist earning $101,847/yr takes home roughly $5,597/month in Colorado Springs.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Physical Therapist in Colorado Springs?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Colorado Springs costs a median of $1,450/month. On a Physical Therapist salary, that's 26% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.