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Colorado Springs vs Denver: Full Comparison

Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data

Quick Answer

Denver is 18% more expensive than Colorado Springs. Colorado Springs is 43% safer. Colorado Springs population: 494,743. Denver population: 740,613.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingColorado Springs
SafetyColorado Springs
HousingColorado Springs

Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.

Cost of Living: Colorado Springs vs Denver

Colorado Springs is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 110 vs 130 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 20 index points.

CategoryColorado SpringsDenver
Overall Index110130
Housing$2,581/moIndex: 145$3,471/moIndex: 195
Groceries$418/moIndex: 102$431/moIndex: 105
Transportation$368/moIndex: 105$378/moIndex: 108
Healthcare$333/moIndex: 104$336/moIndex: 105
Utilities$194/moIndex: 88$198/moIndex: 90

Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.

Safety: Colorado Springs vs Denver

Colorado Springs is 43% safer overall, with a crime rate of 24.6 per 1,000 residents vs Denver's 43.5. Colorado Springs earns a C+ safety grade compared to Denver's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.

C+

Colorado Springs

Colorado

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate24.6/1K
TrendImproving
F

Denver

Colorado

Overall GradeF
Violent CrimeC
Property CrimeF
Crime Rate43.5/1K
TrendStable
MetricColorado SpringsDenver
Overall Crime Rate24.6/1K43.5/1K
Violent Crime Rate485.0550.0
Property Crime Rate1971.73800.0
Murder Rate7.88.6
Assault Rate310.0429.0
Robbery Rate122.799.8
Burglary Rate346.6593.2
Theft Rate1508.43293.7
Vehicle Theft Rate368.6888.1

Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).

Victim Odds

In Colorado Springs, you have a 1 in 41 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 23 in Denver.

Climate Comparison

Climate data is only available for Denver. A full comparison requires both cities.

Denver Climate Overview

Annual High65.3°F
Annual Low36.1°F
Annual Rain15.5"
Annual Snow43.0"
Comfortable Months5
Best MonthJune
Worst MonthNovember
Monthly Temperature
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
FreezingColdComfortableWarm

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Colorado Springs cheaper than Denver?
Colorado Springs is 18% more affordable than Denver, with a cost of living index of 110 vs 130 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $2,581/mo in Colorado Springs vs $3,471/mo in Denver.
Is Colorado Springs safer than Denver?
Colorado Springs is 43% safer overall, with a crime rate of 24.6 per 1,000 residents vs Denver's 43.5. Colorado Springs earns a C+ safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Should I move to Colorado Springs or Denver?
It depends on your priorities. Colorado Springs is safer (C+ grade). Colorado Springs is more affordable (index 110 vs 130). Colorado Springs has a population of 494,743 and Denver has 740,613. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is Colorado Springs compared to Denver?
Colorado Springs has a population of 494,743 and Denver has 740,613. Denver is 50% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in Colorado Springs or Denver?
Housing is cheaper in Colorado Springs. Estimated monthly housing costs: Colorado Springs $2,581/mo vs Denver $3,471/mo. That's based on a housing index of 145 vs 195 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

C+
Colorado Springs Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
F
Denver Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
Salary CalculatorClimate Compare ToolSafety Comparison Tool

Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.

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