San Antonio, TX vs Colorado Springs, CO
Cost of Living Comparison — 2026
Renters in Colorado Springs, CO spend a smaller share of their income on housing. Median household income is 32% higher in Colorado Springs, CO. Home prices in Colorado Springs, CO run 91% higher.
Detailed Comparison
Housing Costs and Affordability
A common benchmark is spending no more than 30% of gross income on housing. In San Antonio, TX, renters allocate roughly 24.0% 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 San Antonio, TX, that ratio is 3.5x. Homes cost 3.5 times the median annual income. In Colorado Springs, CO, it's 5.1x. Homes are relatively more attainable in San Antonio, TX.
Monthly housing costs (rent plus utilities) average $1,235 in San Antonio and $1,592 in Colorado Springs. These figures include renters paying utilities separately from rent.
Income and Labor Market
Median household income in San Antonio, TX is $62,917; in Colorado Springs, CO it is $83,198. That's a $20,281 gap, but income alone doesn't tell the full story without accounting for local costs.
Unemployment stands at 5.7% in San Antonio and 5.3% in Colorado Springs. Labor force participation (the share of the population working or actively job-seeking) is 52.0% in San Antonio versus 55.2% in Colorado Springs.
Population
San Antonio, TX has a population of 1,458,954, 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.