Quick answer
Cleveland costs $480/month less overall ($1,530 vs $2,010/mo). Cleveland also has lower state income tax (Up to 3.99% vs 4.4%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Cleveland 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
Cleveland vs Colorado Springs at a Glance
| Metric | Cleveland | Colorado Springs |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,050 ✓ | $1,800 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,320 ✓ | $1,800 |
| Median Home Price | $185K ✓ | $465K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $140 ✓ | $165 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $340 ✓ | $395 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,530 ✓ | $2,010 |
| Walk Score | 56/100 ✓ | 36/100 |
| Transit Score | 42/100 ✓ | 24/100 |
| State Income Tax | Up to 3.99% ✓ | 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: Cleveland's 1BR averages $1,050/month vs $1,450 in Colorado Springs — a $400/month difference, or $4,800/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Cleveland charges Up to 3.99% state income tax vs 4.4% in Colorado Springs. On an $80K salary that's a $328/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $5,280 vs $4,788 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Cleveland are $185K vs $465K in Colorado Springs. At a 20% down payment, that's a $56,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Colorado Springs utilities run $25 more per month than Cleveland.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland 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
Cleveland
Cold cloudy winters with lake-effect snow from Lake Erie; warm summers; exceptional fall colors
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
Cleveland top industries
Colorado Springs top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Cleveland if…
- →You're a healthcare workers
- →You're a manufacturing professionals
- →You're a value-seekers
- →You're a outdoor enthusiasts (Lake Erie)
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cleveland or Colorado Springs cheaper to live in?
Cleveland is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,530 in Cleveland vs $2,010 in Colorado Springs — a $480/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Cleveland or Colorado Springs?
Cleveland is more walkable with a Walk Score of 56/100 vs 36/100. Colorado Springs is more car-dependent.
Cleveland vs Colorado Springs: which has lower state income tax?
Cleveland has lower state income tax (Up to 3.99%). On an $80K salary, that saves $328/year vs Colorado Springs (4.4%).
Is Cleveland or Colorado Springs better for buying a home?
Cleveland has lower median home prices at $185K vs $465K in Colorado Springs — a $280,000 difference on the median home.