Defense contractors and military installations drive the economy here, with Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, and NORAD creating a steady stream of federal jobs and private sector opportunities. Major employers include Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman alongside the military bases themselves. Tech companies are growing but remain secondary to aerospace and defense. Healthcare and tourism round out the mix, though seasonal tourism jobs pay poorly. The military presence creates economic stability but also means your neighbors frequently rotate out every few years.
Rent averages $1,200-1,500 for a decent one-bedroom outside downtown, though that $3,202 city center figure reflects luxury complexes near the military bases. You'll need a car — Mountain Metro buses exist but run infrequently and don't cover much ground. Healthcare is solid with several major hospital systems. No language barriers obviously, but navigating military culture takes adjustment if you're civilian. The bureaucracy is standard American city-level, nothing exceptional either way.
You get 300+ sunny days annually with dry air and dramatic temperature swings — 80°F summers, 30°F winters, and afternoon thunderstorms that appear from nowhere. Hiking and outdoor recreation dominate weekend life, from Garden of the Gods to Pikes Peak. The food scene is improving but still leans heavily on chains and military-friendly casual dining. Social life revolves around outdoor activities and military social circles if you're connected to the bases. This works best for outdoorsy people who appreciate stability and don't mind a conservative, military-influenced culture.
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🏚️ Cost of Living
💰 Budgets and Costs
A category breakdown is not available for Colorado Springs, CO yet. We publish a breakdown only when every category can be priced from local data, rather than showing figures we cannot stand behind.
Colorado Springs is genuinely safe for daily life, with a Security Index of 70 reflecting a well-policed, stable community. Daytime walking is unremarkable and safe; nighttime strolls in central neighborhoods like Old Town and Manitou Springs feel secure. The city's military presence (Fort Carson) and affluent demographics contribute to a low-crime atmosphere that matches its reputation—this isn't false marketing.
Property crime (car break-ins, package theft) outpaces violent crime here. Avoid isolated parking areas and don't leave valuables visible. Downtown after midnight warrants caution, and certain neighborhoods east of I-25 see higher property crime rates. Solo female travelers report feeling safe overall, though standard urban awareness applies. Scams are minimal; petty theft is the primary concern.
Colorado Springs has no significant geopolitical risks or corruption issues. Police are professional and responsive. The city is politically conservative but stable. For Americans 30-65 considering relocation, this is a straightforward, low-risk choice—particularly appealing for remote workers or retirees seeking outdoor access, affordability, and genuine safety without compromise.
🏥 Healthcare
Excellent
Public Hospitals
Yes
Private Clinics
Yes
English-Speaking Doctors
Widely Available
See how Colorado Springs, CO's healthcare compares with Whitefield, NH
🌤️ Climate
Climate Zones
Arid
Summer Temp
26°C
Winter Temp
0°C
Humidity
45%
Air Quality Index
52
Annual Rainfall
504 mm
Best Months
MayJunSepOct
Climate Notes
Colorado Springs has a semi-arid climate with mild summers, cold winters with occasional snow, and abundant sunshine year-round, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who tolerate dry conditions.
💻 Digital Nomad
Avg Internet Speed
150 Mbps
Coworking Availability
Abundant
Coworking Spaces Nearby
3
Digital Nomad Score
79/100
Community Notes
Colorado Springs melds urban convenience with natural beauty for an adventurous lifestyle.
Located downtown, Epicentral offers a modern, collaborative environment with various membership options. It's a good choice for digital nomads seeking a community vibe and access to downtown amenities.
Office Evolution provides a professional setting with private offices and coworking spaces. Located in the Briargate area, it's suitable for those who prefer a more structured and quiet work environment.
Located in the Circle at Interquest area, WeWork offers a well-known brand with consistent amenities and a focus on community. It's a reliable option for expats familiar with the WeWork model.
Regus has multiple locations in Colorado Springs, offering flexible workspace solutions. It's a practical choice for those needing a professional office environment with various membership levels.
See how Colorado Springs, CO's digital nomad life compares with Whitefield, NH
🧳 Expat Life
English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
large
Banks Nearby
83
ATMs Nearby
22
🏘️ Neighborhoods in Colorado Springs, CO
Areas of Colorado Springs, CO that expats often consider.
Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.
Downtown Colorado Springs
Urban, lively, growing quickly
Downtown is experiencing a revitalization, with new restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions. It's popular with younger professionals and those seeking a walkable lifestyle. While convenient, it can be noisy and parking can be a challenge. Offers easy access to public transit.
Old Colorado City
Historic, charming, touristy district
Old Colorado City boasts a historic main street with boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. It's a popular tourist destination, which can lead to crowds and higher prices. The area is walkable and has a strong sense of community, but housing options are limited and can be expensive.
Broadmoor
Upscale, luxurious, established community
Home to the famous Broadmoor Hotel, this area features beautiful homes, manicured lawns, and a country club atmosphere. It's a quiet and safe neighborhood, ideal for retirees or those seeking a more refined lifestyle. However, it's less walkable than other areas and relies on car transport.
Manitou Springs
Bohemian, quirky, mountain town
Located at the base of Pikes Peak, Manitou Springs is known for its natural mineral springs, art galleries, and unique shops. It has a laid-back, artistic vibe and attracts outdoor enthusiasts. Parking can be difficult, especially during peak season, and the town is prone to flooding.
Briargate
Suburban, family-friendly, convenient
Briargate is a large suburban area with newer homes, shopping centers, and good schools. It's a popular choice for families and those seeking a more traditional suburban lifestyle. While convenient for shopping and amenities, it's car-dependent and lacks the character of older neighborhoods.
Northgate
New development, growing rapidly
Northgate is a rapidly developing area with new housing, retail, and entertainment options. It's located north of Colorado Springs and offers easy access to Denver. While it has modern amenities, it can feel somewhat sterile and lacks established community feel.
Security-Widefield
Affordable, established, working-class
Security-Widefield is a more affordable option located south of Colorado Springs. It's a diverse, working-class community with a mix of housing options. While it offers good value, it may have higher crime rates than other areas and is less walkable.
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Could living/working in Colorado Springs, CO cut years off your work life?
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $3202/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
Frequently Asked Questions about Colorado Springs, CO
Click any question to expand the answer.
Colorado Springs, CO has a population of approximately 486,248 people.
A single person can expect to spend around $8,005 per month in Colorado Springs, CO, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $3202/month.
The nearest airport to Colorado Springs, CO is AFF, approximately 8.8km away.
Colorado Springs, CO is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 70.0. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.
Not necessarily, but it helps significantly. While defense contractors hire civilians, having security clearance or military experience gives you a major advantage. Healthcare, tourism, and tech sectors offer alternatives, but the military-industrial complex dominates the job market.
Housing in Colorado Springs is now on par with Denver prices rather than cheaper - a one-bedroom in the city center averages $3,202 per month. Rent near military bases remains higher, and costs have risen sharply due to population growth and limited supply.
Outdoor recreation clubs and activities are your best bet for meeting people outside military circles. The city has a growing tech and healthcare professional community, but social life heavily revolves around hiking, skiing, and other outdoor pursuits rather than nightlife or cultural events.
Colorado Springs has an arid climate (overall city score of 79) with four distinct seasons. Expect sunny days year-round, but significant temperature swings. Winters are mild with occasional snow, while summers are warm and dry with cooler evenings due to the altitude.
Colorado Springs is generally considered a safe city, but like any urban area, it has its share of crime. Petty theft and property crime are the most common concerns. Research specific neighborhoods before choosing where to live; some areas have higher crime rates than others.
For more affordable living, consider neighborhoods like Security-Widefield or Cimarron Hills. These areas offer lower rental rates and are still relatively close to amenities. However, research crime statistics for these areas before committing.
Colorado Springs may not be ideal for FIRE due to high rent costs, with a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging $3202 per month. Your monthly expenses (excluding rent) are around $1450, making it less cost-effective than other retirement destinations.
Colorado Springs has good internet connectivity, with several providers offering high-speed options. You can expect download speeds of 100 Mbps or more in most areas. There are also a few coworking spaces available, such as Epicentral Coworking and Thrive Workplace, if you prefer working outside your home.
Yes, you'll find plenty of English-speaking doctors and excellent healthcare facilities in Colorado Springs. Major hospital systems like UCHealth and Centura Health have multiple locations throughout the city. Access to specialized care is readily available.
While Colorado Springs has a public transportation system (Mountain Metro Transit), it's not as comprehensive as in larger cities. A car is generally recommended for getting around efficiently, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding mountains. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available.
Data on the expat community size in Colorado Springs is not currently available. The city has a safety index of 70 and a monthly cost (1 person, no rent) of $1,450.
English is widely spoken in Colorado Springs, and you're unlikely to encounter significant language barriers. While Spanish is also spoken, particularly in certain neighborhoods, you can easily navigate daily life using only English.
As a US citizen, you'll still be subject to US taxes even while living abroad. You may be able to take advantage of the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) or the Foreign Tax Credit to reduce your tax burden. Be sure to file your FBAR (Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts) if applicable.
While Colorado Springs is generally safe, some areas have higher crime rates. It's advisable to research specific neighborhoods before choosing a place to live. Check local crime statistics and talk to residents to get a better understanding of the area.
Colorado Springs, CO won't stay this cheap forever.
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