Quick answer
Colorado Springs costs $195/month less overall ($2,010 vs $2,205/mo). But Austin's None state income tax erases some of that gap — on an $80K salary, the tax difference is $3,520/year.
City Comparison · 2026
Austin vs Colorado Springs
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: October 21, 2026
Austin vs Colorado Springs at a Glance
| Metric | Austin | Colorado Springs |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,650 | $1,800 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $2,100 | $1,800 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $548K | $465K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $175 | $165 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $380 ✓ | $395 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $2,205 | $2,010 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 41/100 ✓ | 36/100 |
| Transit Score | 34/100 ✓ | 24/100 |
| State Income Tax | None ✓ | 4.4% |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Colorado Springs's 1BR averages $1,450/month vs $1,650 in Austin — a $200/month difference, or $2,400/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Austin charges None state income tax vs 4.4% in Colorado Springs. On an $80K salary that's a $3,520/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $5,280 vs $0 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Colorado Springs are $465K vs $548K in Austin. At a 20% down payment, that's a $16,600 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Austin utilities run $10 more per month than Colorado Springs. Factor this into your all-in monthly budget.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Austin, TX
Austin is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Colorado Springs, CO
Car ownership is effectively mandatory in Colorado Springs. Budget $400–600/month for a car if you don't own one.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Austin
300+ sunny days; summers run 100–110°F for 60+ days June–September; mild short winters; ERCOT grid has blackout history in extreme weather
Colorado Springs
High altitude (6,000 ft) creates cooler summers (75-85°F) and cold, snowy winters (10-25 inches annual snowfall); 300+ sunny days per year; dry desert-like conditions most of year; wildfire risk in surrounding forests; thin air at altitude requires acclimatization
Job Market
Austin top industries
Colorado Springs top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Austin if…
- →You're a tech workers
- →You're a young professionals
- →You're a outdoor enthusiasts
- →You're a musicians
- →You want zero state income tax
Move to Colorado Springs if…
- →You're a Military families
- →You're a Outdoor enthusiasts / climbers
- →You're a Aerospace professionals
- →You're a People seeking altitude and outdoor access
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Colorado Springs cheaper to live in?
Colorado Springs is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $2,010 in Colorado Springs vs $2,205 in Austin — a $195/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Austin or Colorado Springs?
Austin is more walkable with a Walk Score of 41/100 vs 36/100. Colorado Springs is more car-dependent.
Austin vs Colorado Springs: which has lower state income tax?
Austin has lower state income tax (None). On an $80K salary, that saves $3,520/year vs Colorado Springs (4.4%).
Is Austin or Colorado Springs better for buying a home?
Colorado Springs has lower median home prices at $465K vs $548K in Austin — a $83,000 difference on the median home.