Quick answer
✅ Yes — comfortably. A software engineer in Colorado Springs earns roughly $132,949/yr (~$7,307/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,450/mo — that's 20% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
CO · 2026
Can a Software Engineer 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 software engineer in Colorado Springs, CO in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$132,949/yr local estimate
$11,079
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
4.4% state income tax
-$3,772
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$7,307
1BR rent
20% 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
$4,947
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a software engineer in Colorado Springs could save roughly $23,748/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 20% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 20% of take-home pay, a software engineer in Colorado Springs is well within a healthy range — leaving solid room for savings and discretionary spending.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $132,949/yr — adjusted from the national Software Engineer median of $130,160/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 Software Engineer
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 Software Engineer in Colorado Springs?
A Software Engineer in Colorado Springs earns approximately $132,949 per year, based on the national BLS median of $130,160/yr adjusted for Colorado Springs's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Colorado Springs affordable for a software engineer in 2026?
Yes. Rent takes around 20% of take-home pay — below the 30% guideline. A software engineer can live comfortably in Colorado Springs with room to save.
How much take-home pay does a Software Engineer get in Colorado Springs?
After federal taxes, 4.4% state income tax, and FICA, a Software Engineer earning $132,949/yr takes home roughly $7,307/month in Colorado Springs.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Software Engineer in Colorado Springs?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Colorado Springs costs a median of $1,450/month. On a Software Engineer salary, that's 20% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.