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Denver vs Colorado Springs: 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. Denver population: 740,613. Colorado Springs population: 494,743.

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: Denver vs Colorado Springs

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.

CategoryDenverColorado Springs
Overall Index130110
Housing$3,471/moIndex: 195$2,581/moIndex: 145
Groceries$431/moIndex: 105$418/moIndex: 102
Transportation$378/moIndex: 108$368/moIndex: 105
Healthcare$336/moIndex: 105$333/moIndex: 104
Utilities$198/moIndex: 90$194/moIndex: 88

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

Safety: Denver vs Colorado Springs

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.

F

Denver

Colorado

Overall GradeF
Violent CrimeC
Property CrimeF
Crime Rate43.5/1K
TrendStable
C+

Colorado Springs

Colorado

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate24.6/1K
TrendImproving
MetricDenverColorado Springs
Overall Crime Rate43.5/1K24.6/1K
Violent Crime Rate550.0485.0
Property Crime Rate3800.01971.7
Murder Rate8.67.8
Assault Rate429.0310.0
Robbery Rate99.8122.7
Burglary Rate593.2346.6
Theft Rate3293.71508.4
Vehicle Theft Rate888.1368.6

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

Victim Odds

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

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 Denver cheaper than Colorado Springs?
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 $3,471/mo in Denver vs $2,581/mo in Colorado Springs.
Is Denver safer than Colorado Springs?
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 Denver or Colorado Springs?
It depends on your priorities. Colorado Springs is safer (C+ grade). Colorado Springs is more affordable (index 110 vs 130). Denver has a population of 740,613 and Colorado Springs has 494,743. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is Denver compared to Colorado Springs?
Denver has a population of 740,613 and Colorado Springs has 494,743. Denver is 50% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in Denver or Colorado Springs?
Housing is cheaper in Colorado Springs. Estimated monthly housing costs: Denver $3,471/mo vs Colorado Springs $2,581/mo. That's based on a housing index of 195 vs 145 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

F
Denver Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
C+
Colorado Springs 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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