Colorado Springs vs Burlington

Category / Metric	Colorado Springs	Burlington
Financial Overview
Median Income	$83,215	$68,854
Unemployment Rate	3%	2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$460,900	$486,000
Price per SqFt	$null	$342
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,408	$1,441
Housing Cost Index	123.2	101.7
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	94.3	96.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$2.26	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	456.0	173.3
Bachelor's Degree+	45%	61%
Air Quality (AQI)	20	36

Colorado Springs vs. Burlington: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

Choosing a new city is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. It’s not just about a job or a house; it’s about your daily vibe, your community, and where you’ll feel most at home. Today, we’re putting two very different but compelling cities under the microscope: the booming, mountain-adjacent powerhouse of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the charming, lakeside gem of Burlington, Vermont.

This isn't a textbook analysis. This is a data-driven, no-nonsense guide to help you decide where to plant your roots. We'll crunch the numbers, weigh the lifestyle factors, and tell you who each city is really for. Buckle up.

The Vibe Check: Mountain Majesty vs. Quaint Charm

Let's get one thing straight: these two cities are worlds apart.

Colorado Springs is a city on the move. With a population of nearly 489,000, it's a major metro area nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak. The vibe is active, outdoorsy, and increasingly urban. Think of it as a city that wears its hiking boots to the office. It’s home to a massive military presence (five major bases), a booming tech and aerospace sector, and a downtown that’s been revitalized with breweries, coffee shops, and food halls. It’s for the person who wants mountain access without sacrificing city amenities and economic opportunity.

Burlington is a breath of fresh air in a different way. With a population of just 44,649, it’s a small, walkable city that feels like a large town. Located on the shores of Lake Champlain, Burlington is the epicenter of Vermont's progressive, artsy, and fiercely local culture. It’s home to the University of Vermont, a killer farm-to-table scene, and a tight-knit community where you’re likely to know your neighbors. It’s for the person who values community, sustainability, and a slower, more intentional pace of life.

Who is each city for?

• Colorado Springs is for the young professional, the military family, the outdoor adventurer, and anyone who wants a "best of both worlds" balance of city life and epic nature.
• Burlington is for the academic, the artist, the retiree seeking a peaceful but engaging community, and the outdoors lover who prefers forests and lakes over high peaks.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Stretch Further?

This is where the rubber meets the road. You might hear that Colorado Springs is "affordable compared to Denver," and Burlington is "expensive for Vermont." But what does that actually mean for your bank account? Let’s break it down.

Cost of Living Breakdown

Category	Colorado Springs	Burlington	The Takeaway
Median Home Price	$460,900	$551,600	Burlington is 19.7% more expensive for homebuyers.
Median Rent (1BR)	$1,408	$1,441	Essentially a tie. Burlington is slightly more, but the difference is negligible.
Housing Index	123.2	101.7	A score above 100 is more expensive than the national average. Colorado Springs is ~21% pricier for housing overall.
Median Income	$83,215	$68,854	Colorado Springs residents earn 20.8% more on average.

Salary Wars: The Purchasing Power Puzzle
At first glance, the math seems simple. If you earn the median income in Colorado Springs ($83,215), you’re making significantly more than the median in Burlington ($68,854). However, housing costs eat into that advantage.

Let’s play with a hypothetical: If you earn $100,000 in both cities (a solid professional salary), where does it feel like more?

• In Colorado Springs: Your higher salary helps offset the steeper housing costs. You can afford a nicer home or a larger apartment than you could in a more expensive metro like Denver. However, you’ll feel the "sticker shock" of the housing market, especially if you’re coming from a lower-cost area. Your money goes further in groceries and utilities than in coastal cities, but the housing index of 123.2 means you’re paying a premium to live there.
• In Burlington: Your $100,000 salary is well above the local median, giving you significant purchasing power. While the median home price is higher, the lower median income keeps competition fierce. You’ll likely be competing with university faculty, remote workers, and retirees with deep pockets. Your salary will feel very comfortable for daily living, but breaking into the homeownership market is a challenge.

Taxes & The Bottom Line

• Colorado: Has a flat income tax rate of 4.4%. This is relatively low and predictable. Sales tax is higher, around 8.23% in the Springs.
• Vermont: Has a progressive income tax. For a $100,000 earner, you’d pay about 5.5% on the first portion, and up to 8.75% on higher brackets. It’s generally a higher-tax state. Property taxes are also notably high in Vermont, which factors into the cost of buying a home.

Verdict on Dollar Power:
If you’re a high earner (above $100k) looking to buy a home, Colorado Springs offers more "bang for your buck" if you can handle the competitive market. For renters or those with a more modest income, the lower salaries in Burlington can make daily life feel tighter, despite similar rent prices.

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The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Colorado Springs:
This is a fierce seller's market. The median home price of $460,900 is up dramatically from just a few years ago. Inventory is chronically low, and homes sell fast, often above asking price. The military presence creates a constant churn of renters and buyers, keeping demand high. If you’re looking to buy, be prepared for a bidding war and have your financing rock-solid. Renting is a more viable option, but prices are rising steadily.

Burlington:
The market here is uniquely constrained. With Lake Champlain on one side and protected green space on the other, land is scarce. The median home price of $551,600 reflects this scarcity and high demand from a mix of academics, affluent retirees, and remote workers. It is arguably an even tougher market for buyers than Colorado Springs in terms of inventory. Renting is the default for many, especially students and young professionals, but finding an affordable, long-term rental is a challenge.

Winner for Homebuyers? Neither is easy. Both are competitive seller's markets. Colorado Springs gives you more home for your money, but Burlington's market is driven by a unique, inelastic supply.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life Factors

This is where personal preference truly kicks in.

Traffic & Commute:

• Colorado Springs: Traffic is growing with the population. The I-25 corridor is the main artery and can be congested during rush hour. However, it’s a far cry from Denver’s gridlock. Most commutes are under 30 minutes. The real commute killer is the weather—snow in the winter can turn a 20-minute drive into a 90-minute ordeal.
• Burlington: Traffic is minimal. You can cross town in 15 minutes, even during peak times. The main challenge is finding parking downtown. The commute is a non-issue for most residents.

Weather:

• Colorado Springs: 36.0°F is the average January low, but don't be fooled. This is a high-altitude, semi-arid climate. You get 300+ days of sunshine, but with a catch: four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and snowy (average 60" of snow), summers are sunny and warm (highs around 85-90°F), and spring/fall are glorious but brief. The dry air is a pro for some (no humidity!) and a con for others (dry skin, static electricity).
• Burlington: 45.0°F is the average January low. Vermont winters are long, gray, and snowy (average 80" of snow). Summers are warm and humid, with beautiful lake breezes. The biggest weather factor here is the seasonal affective disorder (SAD) potential due to long, dark winters. However, the fall foliage is world-class, and lake life in summer is unbeatable.

Crime & Safety:

• Colorado Springs: The violent crime rate of 456.0/100k is significantly higher than the national average (~380/100k). Like many growing cities, it has pockets of property crime and property crime in certain areas. However, many neighborhoods are very safe, especially in the north and west parts of the city. It’s a city of microclimates; your safety is highly dependent on your specific neighborhood.
• Burlington: With a violent crime rate of 173.3/100k, Burlington is notably safer than the national average and dramatically safer than Colorado Springs. It consistently ranks as one of the safest small cities in the U.S. Crime is not a major daily concern for most residents.

Verdict on Quality of Life:
For safety and commute, Burlington wins decisively. For weather and sunshine, Colorado Springs is the clear winner if you hate gray winters and love dry, sunny days. If you hate driving in snow, both will test your patience, but Burlington gets more of it.

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The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Heart?

After weighing the data, the lifestyle, and the dollars, here’s our breakdown.

Winner for Families: Colorado Springs

Why: More job opportunities, higher median income, and a wider variety of housing options (from suburbs to newer builds) make it more financially sustainable for raising a family. The school districts are strong, and the endless outdoor activities (hiking, biking, Pikes Peak) are a built-in playground. The higher crime rate is a concern, but it’s concentrated in specific areas; researching neighborhoods is key.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Colorado Springs

Why: The economic engine is stronger. With a larger population, a more diverse job market (tech, aerospace, tourism), and a growing downtown scene, there’s simply more to do and more people to meet. The cost of living, while rising, is still more manageable for a young professional than in a major coastal city, and the access to world-class outdoor recreation is a huge lifestyle perk.

Winner for Retirees: Burlington

Why: Safety, community, and a slower pace of life are paramount for retirees. Burlington’s low crime rate, walkable downtown, and vibrant arts and culture scene (thanks to the university) provide engagement without the stress of a large metro. The trade-off is the higher cost of homeownership and the challenging winters, but for those seeking a peaceful, engaged community, it’s a top-tier choice.

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Pros & Cons: The Quick Reference

Colorado Springs

Pros:

• High economic opportunity with a diverse job market.
• World-class outdoor access with 300+ days of sunshine.
• More affordable home prices compared to major metros (though rising fast).
• A growing, energetic downtown with breweries and restaurants.
• Strong sense of community among military families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Cons:

• Higher violent crime rate (requires thorough neighborhood research).
• Rapid growth is leading to traffic congestion and urban sprawl.
• Competitive housing market with low inventory.
• High altitude can be an adjustment for some.
• Winters can be harsh with snow and cold.

Burlington

Pros:

• Extremely safe with a very low crime rate.
• Charming, walkable small-city feel with a strong sense of community.
• Proximity to Lake Champlain and stunning natural beauty.
• Vibrant arts, food, and university culture.
• Minimal traffic and easy commutes.

Cons:

• Very high cost of homeownership with a competitive market.
• Long, dark, and snowy winters (SAD is a real factor).
• Limited economic diversity outside of education and healthcare.
• Higher state taxes (income and property).
• Isolated location—major cities are hours away.

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The Bottom Line: If you’re chasing economic growth, sunshine, and mountain adventures in a mid-sized city, Colorado Springs is your match. If you value safety, community, and a picturesque, slower-paced life in a small-town setting (with a college-town energy), Burlington is where you’ll find your home.