Deep Dive Relocation Report: Colorado Springs, CO (2026)

1. Colorado Springs: The Data Profile (2026)

Colorado Springs presents a distinct economic profile for 2026, characterized by a robust median income that outpaces the national average. The city's median income stands at $83,215, which is 11.6% higher than the US median of $74,580. This income advantage is amplified by a cost of living index where housing is slightly below the national average at 98.5. The city's population of 488,670 supports a highly educated workforce, with 44.8% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly exceeding the US average of 33.1%. The statistical target demographic is the educated professional or military-affiliated family seeking to leverage a higher-than-average income against a sub-average cost of living, specifically in the housing sector.

2. Cost of Living Analysis

The cost of living in Colorado Springs remains competitive relative to the national average, driven primarily by lower utility and grocery costs. The composite index for the region hovers just below 100, but specific categories reveal distinct financial advantages. Electricity costs are a major highlight, at 14.92 cents/kWh, compared to the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh. Groceries also offer savings at an index of 94.5.

Disposable Income Analysis:
With a median income of $83,215, the monthly take-home pay for a single earner is approximately $5,200 (after taxes). Compared to the single-person budget of $2,885, this leaves a monthly surplus of roughly $2,315. This surplus is significantly higher than in major coastal metros, allowing for aggressive savings or investment strategies. For families, the surplus is tighter but remains positive, calculated at roughly $1,000 monthly post-expenses.

3. Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Colorado Springs is currently favoring buyers relative to the national curve, with the median home price sitting at $455,000. While rent for a 1-bedroom is roughly in line with national averages, the price-per-square-foot for purchasing is competitive.

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
The data suggests a strong case for buying in 2026. The Price-to-Rent ratio (Median Home Price / Annual Rent of 3BR) is 15.6, which is moderate. However, the key metric is the 7.0% discount on price-per-square-foot compared to the national average. With a -1.5% housing index and median incomes 11.6% above the norm, the barrier to entry for purchasing is lower than in comparable mid-size cities. Renting remains a viable short-term option, particularly given the -14.3% discount on 3-bedroom rentals relative to the US average.

4. Economic & Job Market Outlook

In 2026, the Colorado Springs economy is defined by stability and a unique hybridization of the "post-remote" landscape. The unemployment rate is 3.9%, sitting almost exactly at the national average of 4.0%. The city's economy is anchored by the defense sector (USAF, NORAD) and aerospace engineering, industries that have mandated stricter Return-to-Office (RTO) policies than the tech sector.

Consequently, commute times have stabilized. The average commute is 24 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 27 minutes. For the 44.8% of the population with a college degree, many work in the Briargate or Central Colorado Springs business parks, where office occupancy rates have rebounded to 65%. This creates a unique market where "office proximity" is a premium asset, distinct from the purely remote flexibility seen in the previous decade.

5. Quality of Life Audit

Colorado Springs scores well on health metrics and air quality, though safety remains a mixed bag.

[TABLE 3: Quality of Life Metrics]

Safety:
The safety data presents a nuanced picture. Violent crime is recorded at 493 incidents per 100k residents, which is notably higher than the US average of 380 per 100k. However, property crime is the more significant statistical outlier, clocking in at 3,235 per 100k residents, compared to the national average of 2,000 per 100k.

Air Quality:
Air quality is a premier asset. The AQI average of 49 is firmly in the "Good" range. PM2.5 levels are 6.2 µg/m³, well below the EPA standard of 12.0 µg/m³ and the US average of 8.4 µg/m³.

Schools and Weather:
The region is known for strong school districts (e.g., Academy District 20), aligning with the high percentage of college-educated residents (44.8%). Weather is distinct: currently 7.0°F with a high of 38°F, showcasing the dry, high-altitude climate with over 250 days of sunshine annually.

6. The Verdict

Pros:

• Income vs. Cost: The median income of $83,215 provides significantly higher purchasing power than the national average, especially given the sub-100 cost of living indices.
• Air Quality & Health: With an AQI of 49 and a Health Score of 83.1, the environmental baseline is excellent.
• Housing Value: While prices are rising, the price-per-square-foot remains 7.0% below the national average, and rents are competitive.

Cons:

• Property Crime: The rate of 3,235 per 100k is a statistical red flag that requires active mitigation (home security, garage parking).
• RTO Rigidity: Unlike fully remote hubs, the defense-heavy job market necessitates a commute, making location relative to the 24-minute average drive critical.
• Winter Severity: Current temperatures of 7.0°F indicate a harsh winter season that may not suit all demographics.

Recommendation:
Colorado Springs is a Buy for 2026. The data supports a relocation for professionals who can command a salary near the median and are willing to navigate the property crime statistics. The financial upside of the income-to-housing ratio is too strong to ignore for long-term residents.

7. FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Colorado Springs in 2026?
For a single person, a salary of $65,000 is sufficient to cover the $2,885 monthly budget and maintain a healthy savings rate. For a family, a household income of $110,000+ is recommended to comfortably cover the $5,650 monthly expenses.

2. How does the value proposition compare to Denver?
Colorado Springs is roughly 15% cheaper in terms of housing than Denver, with median home prices $455,000 vs Denver's approximate $540,000. However, salaries in Colorado Springs are creeping closer to Denver levels, making the "value" proposition highly favorable for the Springs.

3. Are the safety statistics a dealbreaker?
Not necessarily, but they require due diligence. While violent crime is 29.7% higher than the US average, it is concentrated in specific zones. Property crime is the larger issue (61.7% above average). Gated communities or neighborhoods with active HOAs are statistically safer.

4. When is the best time to move/rent?
The rental market softens slightly in Q4 (October-December). Current weather data shows 7.0°F, indicating winter is in full swing; moving during this window often yields negotiation leverage on rent, as demand drops compared to the spring/summer peak.