New York, NY vs Colorado Springs, CO

Cost of Living Comparison — 2026

Renters in Colorado Springs, CO spend a smaller share of their income on housing. Home prices in New York, NY run 44% higher. Colorado Springs, CO has the lower unemployment rate.

$79,713
Income in New York
$83,198
Income in Colorado Springs
$1,779
Rent in New York
$1,562
Rent in Colorado Springs

Detailed Comparison

Metric
New York, NY
Colorado Springs, CO
Difference
Median Household Income
$79,713
$83,198
4% higher
Median Home Value
$751,700
$420,700
44% less
Median Monthly Rent
$1,779
$1,562
12% less
Median Monthly Housing Costs
$1,837
$1,592
13% less
Unemployment Rate
7.7%
5.3%
31% less
Population
8,516,202
483,099

Housing Costs and Affordability

A common benchmark is spending no more than 30% of gross income on housing. In New York, NY, renters allocate roughly 26.8% of median household income to rent (within that threshold). In Colorado Springs, CO, the figure is 22.5% , making Colorado Springs, CO the easier city for renters on a budget.

For prospective homebuyers, the price-to-income ratio tells you how many years of gross income it takes to match the median home price. In New York, NY, that ratio is 9.4x. Homes cost 9.4 times the median annual income. In Colorado Springs, CO, it's 5.1x. Homeownership is relatively more accessible in Colorado Springs, CO.

Monthly housing costs (rent plus utilities) average $1,837 in New York and $1,592 in Colorado Springs. These figures include renters paying utilities separately from rent.

Income and Labor Market

Median household income in New York, NY is $79,713; in Colorado Springs, CO it is $83,198. That's a $3,485 gap, but income alone doesn't tell the full story without accounting for local costs.

Unemployment stands at 7.7% in New York and 5.3% in Colorado Springs. Labor force participation (the share of the population working or actively job-seeking) is 51.8% in New York versus 55.2% in Colorado Springs.

Population

New York, NY has a population of 8,516,202, making it the larger of the two cities. Colorado Springs, CO has 483,099 residents. City size affects everything from transit options and job market depth to cost pressures. Larger metros typically see higher housing demand.

Data Sources

All data is from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Income, housing, and employment figures represent the most recent available estimates. Data is refreshed as new Census releases become available.

Verify this data at data.census.gov