Salary Needed to Live in Colorado Springs as a Single
A single adult living independently needs approximately $61,657/year to live comfortably in Colorado Springs, CO, including 10% savings.
Direct Answer
A single person needs about $61,657/year to live comfortably in Colorado Springs, CO. The bare-minimum salary is $53,211/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 10% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $3,654.
The minimum scenario leaves about $3,237/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $5,138/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$61,657
with 10% savings
Bare Minimum
$53,211
$4,434/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$3,237
9% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Single in Colorado Springs
| Expense | Colorado Springs | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1BR Rent | $1,154 | $1,351 | -15% |
| Groceries | $211 | $207 | +2% |
| Utilities | $176 | $169 | +4% |
| Transportation | $357 | $316 | +13% |
| Car Insurance | $147 | $215 | -32% |
| Health Insurance | $515 | $642 | -20% |
| Internet | $68 | $65 | +5% |
| Phone | $89 | $85 | +5% |
| Dining & Social | $315 | $300 | +5% |
| Entertainment | $126 | $120 | +5% |
| Personal Care | $79 | $75 | +5% |
| Total Monthly | $3,237 | $3,545 | -9% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$3,237
Target savings (10%):$417/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$3,654
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$61,657
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$1,154
Studio/1BR rent is 36% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
27%
Estimated federal plus CO state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
10%
$417/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
105/100
Colorado Springs is below the national baseline; the model adjusts baseline spending by local rent and cost data.
Compare Salary Needed in Nearby west Cities
Salary Planning Checklist
- Keep studio/1br housing near $1,154/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $677/mo for persona-specific costs such as Internet and Phone.
- Use $53,211/year as the survival floor and $61,657/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Colorado Springs
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a single person need in Colorado Springs?
A single person needs approximately $61,657/year ($5,138/month gross) to live comfortably in Colorado Springs with a 10% savings rate.
How much is rent for a single person in Colorado Springs?
A studio/1br in Colorado Springs costs approximately $1,154/month, which is the largest single expense at 36% of the total budget.
Is Colorado Springs affordable for a single person?
Yes, Colorado Springs is 9% more affordable than the national average for a single person.