Quick answer
Spokane costs $375/month less overall ($1,635 vs $2,010/mo). Spokane also has lower state income tax (None (W-2) vs 4.4%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Colorado Springs vs Spokane
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
Colorado Springs vs Spokane at a Glance
| Metric | Colorado Springs | Spokane |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,450 | $1,350 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,800 | $1,350 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $465K | $360K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $165 | $150 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $395 | $385 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $2,010 | $1,635 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 36/100 | 49/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 24/100 | 34/100 ✓ |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | None (W-2) ✓ |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Spokane's 1BR averages $1,100/month vs $1,450 in Colorado Springs — a $350/month difference, or $4,200/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Spokane charges None (W-2) 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 Spokane are $360K vs $465K in Colorado Springs. At a 20% down payment, that's a $21,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Colorado Springs utilities run $15 more per month than Spokane. Factor this into your all-in monthly budget.
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
Spokane, WA
Spokane is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
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
Spokane
Real four seasons with cold, snowy winters (December-February); dry desert climate; average 250 sunny days annually; summer wildfire smoke June-September; fall and spring are spectacular
Job Market
Colorado Springs top industries
Spokane 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
Move to Spokane if…
- →You're a Remote workers
- →You're a Outdoor enthusiasts
- →You're a People escaping high taxes
- →You're a Families on moderate budgets
- →You want zero state income tax
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Colorado Springs or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Spokane is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,635 in Spokane vs $2,010 in Colorado Springs — a $375/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Colorado Springs or Spokane?
Spokane is more walkable with a Walk Score of 49/100 vs 36/100. Colorado Springs is more car-dependent.
Colorado Springs vs Spokane: which has lower state income tax?
Spokane has lower state income tax (None (W-2)). On an $80K salary, that saves $3,520/year vs Colorado Springs (4.4%).
Is Colorado Springs or Spokane better for buying a home?
Spokane has lower median home prices at $360K vs $465K in Colorado Springs — a $105,000 difference on the median home.