Quick answer
Colorado Springs costs $605/month less overall ($2,010 vs $2,615/mo). Colorado Springs also has lower state income tax (4.4% vs 9.3%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Colorado Springs vs Long Beach
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Colorado Springs vs Long Beach at a Glance
| Metric | Colorado Springs | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,450 ✓ | $2,650 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,800 ✓ | $2,650 |
| Median Home Price | $465K ✓ | $825K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $165 ✓ | $165 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $395 ✓ | $400 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $2,010 ✓ | $2,615 |
| Walk Score | 36/100 | 76/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 24/100 | 72/100 ✓ |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% ✓ | 9.3% |
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 $2,050 in Long Beach — a $600/month difference, or $7,200/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Colorado Springs charges 4.4% state income tax vs 9.3% in Long Beach. On an $80K salary that's a $3,920/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $11,160 vs $5,280 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Colorado Springs are $465K vs $825K in Long Beach. At a 20% down payment, that's a $72,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Utilities are essentially equal between both cities at $165/month.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
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
Long Beach, CA
Long Beach's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
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
Long Beach
Year-round mild: 60-70°F average. Rarely freezes; minimal rain (12 inches/year). Marine layer mornings (May-August) bring overcast, cool conditions until afternoon clearing.
Job Market
Colorado Springs top industries
Long Beach top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
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
Move to Long Beach if…
- →You're a Port/logistics workers
- →You're a People who want beach access without LA's sprawl
- →You're a Artists and creative types seeking community and affordability
- →You're a Anyone wanting California weather without SF or San Diego prices
- →You want to live without a car
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Colorado Springs or Long Beach cheaper to live in?
Colorado Springs is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $2,010 in Colorado Springs vs $2,615 in Long Beach — a $605/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Colorado Springs or Long Beach?
Long Beach is more walkable with a Walk Score of 76/100 vs 36/100. Colorado Springs is more car-dependent.
Colorado Springs vs Long Beach: which has lower state income tax?
Colorado Springs has lower state income tax (4.4%). On an $80K salary, that saves $3,920/year vs Long Beach (9.3%).
Is Colorado Springs or Long Beach better for buying a home?
Colorado Springs has lower median home prices at $465K vs $825K in Long Beach — a $360,000 difference on the median home.