Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Colorado Springs?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Colorado Springs, you need to earn at least $70,560/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $79,026, which means the typical resident is $8,466 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 479,612

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,235	$4,117	$49,400	$-29,626
1 Bedroom	$1,464	$4,880	$58,560	$-20,466
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,764	$5,880	$70,560	$-8,466
3 Bedroom	$2,152	$7,173	$86,080	+$7,054
4 Bedroom	$2,646	$8,820	$105,840	+$26,814

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Colorado Springs's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$79,026

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$70,560

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$8,466

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 26.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Colorado Springs

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Colorado Springs's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,976

Studio

$1,235/mo

1 BR

$1,464/mo

2 BR

$1,764/mo

3 BR

$2,152/mo

4 BR

$2,646/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Colorado Springs.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Colorado Springs's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Colorado Springs

Renting in Colorado Springs, Colorado is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $70,560/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $79,026, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($1,464/month) or studio ($1,235/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Colorado Springs pushes the required income to $86,080.

For comfortable living in Colorado Springs without financial stress, target a household income of at least $105,840 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Colorado's cost of living.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

With a total population of 479,612, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 236,437 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $70,560 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

236,437

Active civilian employees in Colorado Springs

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Colorado Springs

What salary do I need to live in Colorado Springs, Colorado?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Colorado Springs under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $70,560. The median household income in Colorado Springs is $79,026.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Colorado Springs on $79,026?

The affordability verdict for Colorado Springs is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 26.8%, meaning median earners have a $8,466 surplus.

What is the average rent in Colorado Springs compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Colorado Springs is $1,464/month. With a median household income of $79,026, residents spend approximately 26.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Colorado Springs?

A studio in Colorado Springs rents for approximately $1,235/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $49,400 to afford this.

Is Colorado Springs considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $8,466 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Colorado Springs is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $70,560 to the local median household income.

How Colorado Springs Compares

Other cities in Colorado with salary requirements