Colorado Springs vs Denver, CO: Which City is Right for You? A Comparison of Real Estate, Cost of Living, Culture, and More

You might be considering a house in Colorado Springs or an apartment in Denver, as these two Colorado cities offer a blend of outdoor recreation and urban living. Denver boasts a thriving job market and a bustling city atmosphere, while Colorado Springs provides a more relaxed lifestyle with stunning views of Pikes Peak. Whether you’re drawn to Denver’s cultural scene or Colorado Springs’ natural beauty, choosing the right city is a significant decision.

From real estate prices and job prospects to cost of living and cultural experiences, there is a lot to think about. In this Redfin article, we’ll compare the key factors to help you determine which city is the ideal fit for your next move.

Housing in Colorado Springs vs Denver

Housing in Denver

Denver’s housing market is diverse, ranging from trendy downtown condos to spacious homes in Denver’s neighborhoods like Capitol Hill or Cherry Creek. With a strong job market and growing population, Denver’s real estate can be competitive, but it still provides more space and greenery compared to major coastal cities. The city’s mix of modern architecture and historic homes offers something for everyone.

• Median home cost: The median home sale price in Denver is around $858,000, offering a variety of options from high-rise living to single-family homes.
• Average rental cost: Renting an apartment in Denver costs approximately $2,103 per month, depending on the neighborhood, with downtown areas commanding higher prices.

Housing in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs offers a more affordable real estate market compared to Denver, with housing options that include single-family homes in suburban neighborhoods, historic properties, and new developments. The city’s natural beauty and lower cost of living make it an attractive choice for those seeking more space and a quieter lifestyle, without sacrificing access to urban amenities.

• Median home cost: The median home sale price in Colorado Springs is roughly $448,000, providing more space for the money compared to Denver.
• Average rental cost: The average rent for an apartment in Colorado Springs is about $1,451 per month, making it a more budget-friendly option than Denver.

Cost of living in Colorado Springs vs Denver

The overall cost of living in Denver is about 4% higher than in Colorado Springs, with differences in housing, transportation, and lifestyle contributing to this gap between the two Colorado cities.

1. Utilities

Utility costs in both Colorado Springs and Denver are similar. The higher elevation and cooler temperatures in Colorado Springs can help lower air conditioning costs, while Denver’s larger population can push utility prices slightly higher.

2. Groceries

Grocery costs are nearly identical in both cities, as they are close to local agricultural regions, which keeps transportation costs for food minimal. However, Denver’s larger population results in higher demand, which can lead to slightly elevated grocery prices.

3. Transportation

Transportation expenses in Denver are about 1% higher than in Colorado Springs. Denver’s more extensive public transit system, busier traffic, and higher parking fees contribute to the increased costs, while Colorado Springs’ lower density and more affordable commuting options help keep transportation costs manageable.

4. Healthcare

Healthcare costs in Colorado Springs are about 1% lower than in Denver. The smaller population and lower demand for specialized services contribute to more budget-friendly medical expenses compared to Denver’s larger healthcare market.

5. Lifestyle

Lifestyle expenses in both cities are similar. While Denver offers more dining options, a bustling nightlife, and cultural events, which can elevate prices, Colorado Springs provides comparable outdoor recreation and cultural experiences at a more relaxed pace, balancing out the costs.

Colorado Springs vs Denver in size and population: A tale of two Colorado cities

Denver and Colorado Springs are two of Colorado’s largest cities, yet they offer distinct urban experiences. Denver spans about 155 square miles with a population of over 715,000, making it the state’s largest city in terms of both size and population. Colorado Springs, in comparison, covers roughly 195 square miles but has a smaller population of around 479,000. This difference in population density gives Colorado Springs a more spacious, suburban feel, while Denver’s higher density contributes to a bustling city atmosphere. The extra space in Colorado Springs means more opportunities for outdoor recreation and expansive parks, whereas Denver’s mix of urban activity and green spaces provides a lively balance of city life and nature.

Weather and climate in Colorado Springs vs Denver

Both Colorado Springs and Denver experience a semi-arid climate characterized by four distinct seasons, but there are some differences in their weather patterns. Colorado Springs, situated at a higher elevation, tends to have slightly cooler temperatures year-round compared to Denver. Winters in both cities are cold with occasional heavy snowfall, while summers are warm and sunny, though Colorado Springs can feel more temperate due to its elevation. Both cities face the risk of natural hazards such as wildfires and hailstorms, but Denver, being more populous, often experiences more urban-related weather challenges, such as flooding in low-lying areas.

The job market in Colorado Springs vs Denver

Denver: A thriving hub for tech and energy

Denver’s job market is diverse and rapidly growing, driven by industries like tech, healthcare, and energy. With an employment rate of 72% and a median household income of $94,157, the city provides a competitive wage landscape, with an average hourly wage of $36.50. The city’s expanding tech scene is drawing both startups and established companies, while the energy sector, including renewable energy initiatives, continues to grow. Major employers like Lockheed Martin, UCHealth, and DaVita are leading the charge in job creation, making Denver a key destination for professionals seeking varied career paths.

Colorado Springs: A military and aerospace stronghold

Colorado Springs’ job market is characterized by its strong military, aerospace, and defense presence, thanks to its proximity to several military bases. The city has an employment rate of 63% and a median household income of $83,000, with an average hourly wage of $31.59. Apart from defense, Colorado Springs is also seeing growth in tech and healthcare sectors, with employers like Lockheed Martin and Penrose-St. Francis Health Services contributing significantly to the local economy. The city’s focus on aerospace and defense provides specialized career opportunities, making it ideal for professionals in these industries.

Transportation in Colorado Springs vs Denver

Denver: Transit-accessible with driving options

Denver’s transportation system is well-developed, with options like RTD buses and light rail connecting the city and surrounding areas. The downtown area is walkable, and biking is popular with an expanding network of bike lanes. Driving is common, with plenty of parking and less congestion than major coastal cities.

• Walk Score: 61
• Bike Score: 72
• Transit Score: 45

Colorado Springs: Car-dependent but bike-friendly

Colorado Springs is more car-dependent, with public transportation mainly consisting of local buses. The city’s spread-out nature makes driving the most convenient option, but there are efforts to expand bike lanes and improve walkability in the downtown area.

• Walk Score: 35
• Bike Score: 45
• Transit Score: 19

Travel in and out of Colorado Springs vs Denver

Denver serves as the main transportation hub in the region, while Colorado Springs offers more limited options.

• Denver: Denver International Airport, Amtrak’s California Zephyr line, RTD buses, Greyhound, and a growing network of bike paths.
• Colorado Springs: Colorado Springs Airport for regional flights, Greyhound, and local bus services.

Lifestyle and things to do in Colorado Springs vs Denver

A day in the life of a Denverite

Living in Denver offers a mix of urban excitement and outdoor adventure. Mornings might begin with a cup of locally roasted coffee at a downtown café before biking to work or catching the light rail. The city’s cultural scene is vibrant, featuring art galleries, craft breweries, and outdoor concerts. Weekends are spent exploring the city’s numerous parks, attending sporting events, or hiking in the nearby foothills. Denver’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains makes it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities like skiing, mountain biking, and hiking all easily accessible.

Top things to do in Denver:

• Attend a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
• Visit the Denver Art Museum
• Explore the Denver Botanic Gardens
• Tour a local craft brewery
• Catch a Rockies game at Coors Field

Google Street View of Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Denver parks and green gems:

• Walk around City Park and enjoy the lake views
• Cycle the Cherry Creek Trail
• Hike in Washington Park
• Enjoy paddle boarding at Sloan’s Lake
• Have a picnic in Cheesman Park

Google Street View of Sloan’s Lake

Denver tourist attractions:

• Union Station
• Coors Field
• Denver Zoo
• Downtown Aquarium
• Larimer Square

A day in the life of a Colorado Springs resident

Life in Colorado Springs centers around outdoor activities and a relaxed lifestyle. A typical day might start with a sunrise hike in Garden of the Gods, followed by breakfast at a local café downtown. Residents enjoy the city’s natural beauty, with easy access to trails, rock climbing, and cycling paths. Weekends are often spent exploring Pikes Peak, visiting cultural landmarks like the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, or simply relaxing in one of the city’s many parks. The slower pace of life provides a great balance between work and outdoor recreation.

Top things to do in Colorado Springs:

• Hike in Garden of the Gods
• Visit the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum
• Explore the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
• Climb the Manitou Incline
• Take a scenic drive up Pikes Peak

Google Street View of Garden of the Gods

Colorado Springs parks and green gems:

• Hike Palmer Park’s trails
• Visit Red Rock Canyon Open Space
• Cycle along the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail
• Have a picnic in America the Beautiful Park
• Enjoy bird watching in North Cheyenne Cañon Park

Google Street View of Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Colorado Springs tourist attractions:

• Pikes Peak
• Garden of the Gods
• Seven Falls
• The Broadmoor
• Cave of the Winds Mountain Park

Food and culture in Colorado Springs vs Denver

Denver: The Mile-High City

Denver’s food culture is a blend of hearty Rocky Mountain fare and international influences, offering everything from craft breweries and food trucks to high-end restaurants in LoDo (Lower Downtown). The city is famous for its green chili, buffalo burgers, and craft beer scene, while events like the Great American Beer Festival showcase Denver’s culinary spirit. The city’s cultural scene is equally vibrant, with institutions like the Denver Art Museum, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and a thriving music and theater community making it a hub for the arts.

Colorado Springs: Outdoor flavor and local charm

Colorado Springs’ food scene focuses on local ingredients and comfort food with a touch of Southwestern flair. Signature dishes include bison steaks, trout, and green chili, while a growing number of craft breweries and local eateries reflect the city’s expanding culinary scene. The annual Colorado Springs Food Truck Festival and Territory Days highlight the local food culture. Culturally, the city offers a mix of historic sites and arts, including the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, local theater productions, and a variety of outdoor festivals celebrating the region’s heritage.

Sports scene in Colorado Springs vs Denver

Denver: A Mile-High sports hub

Denver boasts a robust sports culture with professional teams in nearly every major league. The city’s sports identity is anchored by the Denver Broncos, who attract huge crowds at Empower Field on game days, and the Denver Nuggets, whose recent success has fueled basketball fever. The Colorado Rockies and Colorado Avalanche add to the city’s dynamic sports scene, filling stadiums like Coors Field and Ball Arena. With a mix of football, basketball, baseball, and hockey, Denver’s passionate fan base brings high energy to every game, making it a true mile-high sports hub.

Colorado Springs: Nurturing future Olympians

Colorado Springs has a unique sports culture shaped by its focus on Olympic training and outdoor recreation. Known as “Olympic City USA,” the city is home to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center, where elite athletes prepare for international competition. The local sports scene also includes popular minor league teams, such as the Rocky Mountain Vibes baseball team, and ample outdoor sports like hiking, cycling, and rock climbing. Colorado Springs’ emphasis on Olympic sports and outdoor activities gives it a distinctive athletic identity, different from the professional sports-focused culture of Denver.

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