Living Alone in Colorado Springs, CO: What It Really Costs

A complete monthly budget breakdown for a single person living independently in Colorado Springs. Based on 2026 federal data adjusted for local cost of living.

C
$1,172/month

Colorado Springs is close to the national average for solo living costs.

$20,091
Minimum Salary Needed
$24,110
Comfortable Salary
$374
Essential Costs
$798
Discretionary

What Does Solo Living in Colorado Springs Look Like?

Known as "the Springs", Colorado Springs is a mid-size city in the Western United States with a population of 478,961 and a median household income of $65,890. For someone living alone, the biggest expense is housing — a studio or 1-bedroom apartment will run you about $121/month, which accounts for 10% of your total monthly spend. Costs here track close to the national median, giving you a representative experience of typical American solo living expenses.

Complete Monthly Budget Breakdown

CategoryMonthly Cost% of BudgetType
🏠 Studio/1BR Rent$12110%Essential
🛒 Groceries (one person)$182%Essential
Utilities$151%Essential
🚗 Transportation$303%Essential
🛡️ Car Insurance$14713%Essential
🏥 Health Insurance$434%Essential
📡 Internet$686%Discretionary
📱 Phone Plan$807%Discretionary
🍽️ Dining Out$26322%Discretionary
🎬 Entertainment$15813%Discretionary
💇 Personal Care$847%Discretionary
👕 Clothing$1009%Discretionary
📺 Subscriptions & Gym$454%Discretionary
Total Monthly Budget$1,172100%

Can You Afford to Live Alone in Colorado Springs?

Here's how different salary levels stack up against the solo living costs in Colorado Springs:

$40,000
gross annual
+$1,295
monthly surplus
Save 52%
$50,000
gross annual
+$1,911
monthly surplus
Save 62%
$60,000
gross annual
+$2,528
monthly surplus
Save 68%
$75,000
gross annual
+$3,453
monthly surplus
Save 75%
$100,000
gross annual
+$4,995
monthly surplus
Save 81%
$125,000
gross annual
+$6,536
monthly surplus
Save 85%

Tips for Living Alone in Colorado Springs

  • 💡 Housing: Colorado Springs's rent is manageable for solo earners. Focus on securing a lease with utilities included to stabilize your monthly costs.
  • 🍳 Food: Cooking at home saves roughly $158/month vs eating out regularly. Meal prep on Sundays is the single biggest budget lever for solo dwellers.
  • 🚌 Transport: In a mid-size city like Colorado Springs, a car is likely essential. Budget for maintenance separately — about $105/month.
  • 🏥 Insurance: If your employer offers health coverage, your actual out-of-pocket drops significantly. The $43/month estimate assumes marketplace insurance.
  • 💰 The 50/30/20 Rule: On a $24,110 salary, aim for $743 needs, $446 wants, $297 savings per month.

More Affordable Alternatives in the West

Pueblo, CO
$1,043/mo
Save $129/mo vs Colorado Springs
Pocatello, ID
$971/mo
Save $201/mo vs Colorado Springs
Yakima, WA
$1,015/mo
Save $157/mo vs Colorado Springs
Great Falls, MT
$1,033/mo
Save $139/mo vs Colorado Springs
Twin Falls, ID
$1,117/mo
Save $55/mo vs Colorado Springs

Explore More for Colorado Springs

City OverviewCost of LivingRent CostsGrocery PricesAfford on $50K?Afford on $75K?Afford on $100K?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to live alone in Colorado Springs?
The estimated total monthly cost of living alone in Colorado Springs is $1,172, including $121 for a studio/1-bedroom apartment,$18 for groceries, and $15 for utilities. This is 5% above the national average for solo living.
What salary do I need to live alone in Colorado Springs?
You need a minimum gross salary of approximately $20,091 to cover basic living expenses alone in Colorado Springs. For a comfortable lifestyle with a savings buffer, aim for at least $24,110.
Is Colorado Springs affordable for a single person?
Colorado Springs is roughly average for solo living costs, making it accessible for most single earners with a steady income of $20,091 or more.
What is the biggest expense when living alone in Colorado Springs?
Housing is by far the largest expense, accounting for 10% of the total monthly budget at $121/month for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment. The next largest expenses are transportation ($30) and groceries ($18).
← Back to Colorado Springs Overview