If you’re planning on moving to Colorado Springs, CO, it’s important to first find out what the cost of living is and whether you can afford it. Located approximately 60 miles south of Denver and 85 miles south of Boulder, Colorado Springs is surrounded by nature but includes all the benefits of a major city. Unlike most major cities in the U.S., however, the cost of living in Colorado Springs is relatively low.
Major Benefits of Living in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, CO is a fairly urban area with highways, city streets, industrial parks, and shopping centers. The major benefits of living in Colorado Springs include:
- Low cost of living: The national cost of living average is 100, and Colorado Springs is rated 94; not incredibly low, but certainly lower than the national average and lower than many major cities as well.
- Low unemployment rate: As of April 2018, the unemployment rate in Colorado Springs was 3.1% while the national unemployment rate was 3.9%.
- Numerous recreation and entertainment options: Colorado Springs has the benefit of being very close to nature and very much a city at the same time. Residents can enjoy loads of outdoor activities, as well as shopping malls, a charming downtown area, and a thriving nightlife.
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs: UCCS serves approximately 12,500 undergraduates and graduate students a year and houses 6 colleges and specialty schools. Perhaps it’s also one of the reasons that Colorado Springs is the city with the highest growth rate of the millennial population.
Breakdown of Cost of Living
While the cost of living in Colorado Springs is lower than the national average, here you can see a breakdown of how much different things really cost.
- Food/Groceries: Colorado Springs has a groceries average of 97, compared to 99 in the state of Colorado and a 100 national average.
- Housing/living: The cost of housing/apartments in Colorado Springs is 98, 2% less than the national average, making it a good location for students and young families.
- Daycare: Colorado Springs daycare cost for infants ranges between $260-$340 per week per child. For toddlers, expect to pay $10-$15 less per week. While Colorado is not known for its low childcare costs, parents can console themselves with a low cost of almost everything else.
- Utilities: The average cost of utilities is 27% less than the national average, definitely something to look forward to if you move to Colorado Springs.
- University: The University of Colorado Springs cost of attendance for in-state students is $26,701, including tuition, room and board, books, supplies, and other expenses. Out-of-state students can expect to pay around $40,000.
Are You Ready?
If you’re satisfied that you can afford the cost of living in Colorado Springs, it’s time to get moving. With Unpakt’s moving services, moving doesn’t have to be a major crisis; it can be a calm, smooth, even exciting, event. If you want to make the process of moving even smoother, check out the best apps for moving and create your own personalized moving checklist.
