This comparison between Denver, Colorado, and Colorado Springs, Colorado, brings into focus significant factors anyone might consider when contemplating a relocation or visit. These range from safety concerns and weather to local culture and sports teams. Both cities exhibit unique individual charms and strengths that set them apart, yet still share much in common, given their proximity and being within the same state. As such, understanding these differences and similarities will be critical to making the best decision, depending on one's preferences and needs.
Distance between
Denver, CO and
Colorado Springs, CO : 60.3 miles
Denver's population is larger by 47%. Its population has grown by 156,827 people (28.3%) since 2000. The population of Colorado Springs has grown by 123,066 people (34.1%) during that time.
In terms of safety, it's always important to consider local crime rates. Denver experiences a higher crime rate compared to Colorado Springs. While neither city is immune to crime, Colorado Springs has a lower crime rate, making it safer on average. However, safety can vary greatly between neighborhoods in both cities, so specific locales should be looked at individually when considering relocation or visiting.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,932 registered sex offenders living in Denver and 1,671 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Denver is 359 to 1; the ratio in Colorado Springs is 278 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Denver than in Colorado Springs.
Cost of Living
Generally, Denver displays a higher cost of living compared to Colorado Springs. This includes categories like housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation. However, overall salaries and wages also tend to be higher in Denver which can balance out the increased costs.
Income Tax
Both cities follow the Colorado state income tax rate, which is a flat rate of 4.63%, making this factor equal for both Denver and Colorado Springs.
Property Tax
Property tax rates are generally lower in Colorado Springs compared to Denver, providing homeowners in Colorado Springs some respite from the overall cost of living.
Sales Tax
Denver has a higher combined city and state sales tax rate compared to Colorado Springs. Denver's rate comes in at 8.31% while Colorado Springs is lower at 8.25%.
Income
Type
Denver
Colorado Springs
Estimated median household income
$81,630
$74,579
Estimated per capita income
$52,690
$39,808
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
111.3
99.6
If you make $50,000 in Colorado Springs, you will have to make $55,873 in Denver to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Both cities are located near the Rocky Mountains, providing stunning views and ample outdoor recreational opportunities. Denver is located on high rolling plains, while Colorado Springs is closer to the mountains, providing it a more rugged and hilly terrain.
Denver and Colorado Springs both have reputable education systems. Denver, being larger, offers more variety including numerous charter and magnet schools. Colorado Springs, while smaller, is home to some highly-rated school districts, and is also known for the United States Air Force Academy.
Denver has a broader, more diverse economy with strong sectors in aerospace, telecom, and technology among others. Colorado Springs has an economy that's anchored by military, the high-tech industry, and tourism. Both cities have low unemployment rates, though Denver's job market is larger and somewhat more varied.
Biggest Employers
Denver's biggest employers come from various industries, ranging from healthcare with Denver Health, to telecommunications with Dish Network. In Colorado Springs, the biggest employers are in the military sector, such as Fort Carson and Peterson Air Force Base.
In Denver (Denver County), 73.9% voted for Democrats and 24.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Colorado Springs (El Paso County), 38.7% voted for Democrats and 59.2% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Denver
Colorado Springs
Denver
Colorado Springs
Denver
Colorado Springs
2020
80.1%
43.0%
18.3%
53.9%
1.6%
3.1%
2016
74.2%
34.1%
19.0%
56.6%
6.8%
9.4%
2012
73.9%
38.7%
24.3%
59.2%
1.7%
2.0%
2008
75.8%
40.0%
23.2%
58.9%
1.0%
1.1%
2004
69.7%
32.2%
29.3%
66.9%
0.9%
0.9%
2000
62.0%
30.9%
30.9%
64.1%
7.0%
5.0%
1996
61.8%
32.2%
30.0%
59.0%
8.2%
8.8%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Denver
Colorado Springs
Denver
Colorado Springs
CATHOLIC CHURCH
26.6%
8.4%
8.7%
5.4%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
2.1%
0.3%
4.3%
1.2%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.1%
0.4%
3.2%
1.6%
SALVATION ARMY
1.1%
0.2%
0.7%
0.5%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.9%
2.6%
6.8%
11.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.7%
0.2%
3.0%
1.2%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.5%
0.0%
0.9%
0.2%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
1.0%
2.7%
2.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.3%
0.7%
2.3%
1.9%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.0%
0.4%
0.7%
1.2%
Weather
Both Denver and Colorado Springs have distinct seasons with a similar climate due to their proximity, although springs weather can be unpredictable. Denver, known as the "Mile-High City," has warmer summers and less snow in the winter compared to Colorado Springs. Colorado Springs, at a higher altitude, is slightly cooler year-round, and receives more snowfall during winter months.
Weather and climate
Type
Denver
Colorado Springs
Temperature - Average
49.5°F
43.4°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
50.6%
53.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
20%
30%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
64%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
35%
34%
Precipitation - Yearly average
17 in
18.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
114 in
77 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.2%
21.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
75.6%
82.2%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
10%
10.5%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
79.7%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
64%
69.2%
Wind speed - Average
8.6 mph
10.3 mph
Average climate in Denver, Colorado
Average climate in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Denver
Colorado Springs
Denver
Colorado Springs
Denver
Colorado Springs
Denver
Denver
Colorado Springs
Denver
Colorado Springs
Denver
Colorado Springs
Denver
Colorado Springs
2018
100
60
0.50
N/A
25.4
N/A
27.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
29.2
N/A
8.6
6.3
0.7
N/A
2017
95
58
0.49
N/A
25.9
N/A
27.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
22.0
N/A
8.4
6.1
0.8
N/A
2016
90
48
0.53
N/A
27.7
N/A
27.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
22.6
N/A
8.7
6.9
1.0
N/A
2015
101
N/A
0.53
N/A
27.8
N/A
25.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
21.0
N/A
10.4
N/A
1.0
N/A
2014
94
N/A
0.53
N/A
25.4
N/A
24.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
25.1
N/A
10.1
N/A
1.3
N/A
2013
85
N/A
0.45
N/A
21.9
N/A
24.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
24.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
N/A
2012
91
N/A
0.33
N/A
18.9
N/A
26.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
24.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
N/A
2011
91
N/A
0.34
N/A
18.1
N/A
25.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
23.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
N/A
2010
82
N/A
0.43
N/A
16.3
N/A
23.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
26.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
N/A
2009
79
N/A
0.41
N/A
14.1
N/A
23.1
N/A
0.005
N/A
22.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
N/A
2008
85
N/A
0.43
N/A
17.3
N/A
26.0
N/A
0.008
N/A
25.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
N/A
2007
96
N/A
0.37
N/A
20.6
N/A
21.9
N/A
0.007
N/A
30.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.2
N/A
2006
89
15
0.51
0.50
19.0
N/A
22.1
N/A
0.008
0.005
28.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
N/A
2005
86
17
0.57
0.55
21.3
N/A
20.9
N/A
0.068
0.027
30.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
N/A
2004
82
17
0.60
0.56
21.2
N/A
19.2
N/A
0.012
0.010
28.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.8
N/A
2003
106
19
0.60
0.59
21.2
N/A
20.8
N/A
0.015
0.011
32.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.9
N/A
2002
86
24
0.65
0.66
19.2
N/A
20.4
N/A
0.014
0.010
35.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.5
N/A
2001
95
51
0.86
0.63
23.6
16.7
18.6
N/A
0.012
0.005
32.6
21.3
N/A
N/A
2.6
1.9
2000
93
78
0.81
0.58
13.4
22.5
19.2
N/A
0.013
0.010
12.2
21.0
N/A
N/A
2.1
2.3
Natural disasters
Type
Denver
Colorado Springs
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
129.5%
78.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
811.7%
816.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
10%
17%
Transportation
Denver offers a more expansive public transportation system necessitated by its larger population. The Denver RTD system includes buses and light rail lines that traverse the metro area. In contrast, Colorado Springs has a less extensive public transit system, but generally less traffic compared to Denver.
Transport
Type
Denver
Colorado Springs
Amtrak stations
2
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
1
FAA registered aircraft
602
552
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
28
44
Means of transportation to work
Type
Denver
Colorado Springs
Bicycle
1.5%
0.3%
Bus
2.6%
0.4%
Carpooled
8.8%
9.2%
Car alone
81.1%
87%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Railroad
1.2%
0%
Streetcar
0.2%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
2.8%
2.1%
Average travel time to work
Type
Denver
Colorado Springs
Average
29.4 min
23.8 min
Other means
24.2 min
21.3 min
Public transportation
38 min
39 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Denver
Colorado Springs
Average
1.1
1.1
Drove alone
90.6%
90%
In 2 person carpool
7.3%
7.5%
In 3 person carpool
1.3%
1.9%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.2%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.2%
0.4%
In 7+ person carpool
0%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
In terms of real estate, Denver is more expensive with a higher median house price. Colorado Springs, while still growing in cost, offers more affordable housing options. Therefore, for those looking to buy, Colorado Springs may provide more bang for your buck.
Neighborhoods
From hip urban neighborhoods to quiet suburban areas, both cities offer diverse living options. Denver is known for its trendy neighborhoods like LoDo (lower downtown), while Colorado Springs is popular for its family-friendly areas like Briargate.
Houses and residents
Type
Denver
Colorado Springs
Houses
351,829
205,380
Average household size (people)
2.2
2.4
Median year apartment built
1981
1984
Median year house/condo built
1966
1987
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.3 years
10.6 years
Houses occupied
326,634 (92.8%)
197,542 (96.2%)
Houses occupied by owners
164,429 (50.3%)
123,398 (62.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
162,205 (49.7%)
74,144 (37.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,674
$1,458
Median monthly housing costs
$1,626
$1,422
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$970,375
$595,239
Estimated median house or condo value
$541,500
$390,500
Median numbers of rooms
4.6
6
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.5
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.4
7.2
Median house price - detached houses
$690,450
$427,641
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$668,727
$389,381
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$410,273
$295,560
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$487,647
$258,564
Median house price - mobile homes
$174,140
$30,081
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$568,100
$308,944
Median house price - All housing units
$644,007
$403,675
Median house age
47
35
Renting percentage
50%
39.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,294.3
1,105.7
House value disparities
26.4%
25.2%
Household income disparities
44%
41%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$120,615
$99,037
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$77,011
$72,581
Housing units without a mortgage
2,112 (1.7%)
1,835 (2.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
9,615 (7.6%)
6,564 (7.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
123,690 (98.3%)
87,580 (97.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
273 (0.2%)
86 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,819 (10.2%)
7,898 (8.8%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
7
7
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.3%
0.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.8%
0.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Denver
Colorado Springs
One, detached
42.9%
62.3%
One, attached
8.3%
8.3%
Two
2.1%
1.4%
3 or 4
3.1%
4.7%
5 to 9
3.6%
4.9%
10 to 19
7.0%
6.7%
20 to 49
10.4%
6.1%
50 or more
22.0%
4.0%
Mobile homes
0.4%
1.7%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
24,661
13,110
State government workers
15,204
7,029
Unpaid family workers
763
735
Industries and Occupations
Denver has diverse industries ranging from aerospace, telecommunications, to healthcare, and financial services. Colorado Springs, on the other hand, leans more towards military, tourism, and high-tech industries.
Both cities have highly-regarded healthcare systems. Denver, being a larger city, has more hospitals and specialty facilities. Colorado Springs, while having fewer resources, is still known for quality healthcare and is home to Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, one of the top-rated hospitals in the state.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Denver
Colorado Springs
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Denver, being a larger city, has more developed infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and public buildings. Colorado Springs has been investing significantly into infrastructure development but still lags behind Denver.
Infrastructure
Type
Denver
Colorado Springs
Hospitals
16
10
TV stations
17
18
Arenas or stadiums
4
3
Bank branches located here
205
133
Bank institutions located here
43
33
Main business address for public companies
58
6
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
8
6
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Denver
Colorado Springs
1999
2,727
1,957
2000
2,698
985
2001
1,996
756
2002
1,591
502
2003
2,472
1,131
2004
3,789
1,811
2005
5,168
2,631
2006
5,506
2,188
2007
3,599
1,246
2008
1,902
496
2009
768
233
Culture and Food
Culturally, Denver is larger and more diverse, known for its vibrant music scene, breweries, and a wide array of dining options. While Colorado Springs is not as diverse, it still offers a burgeoning foodie scene and is home to some excellent local breweries as well as being closer to outdoor attractions like the Garden of the Gods.
Sports Teams
For sports fans, Denver boasts a greater number of professional sports teams including the Denver Broncos (NFL), Colorado Rockies (MLB), Denver Nuggets (NBA), and Colorado Avalanche (NHL). While Colorado Springs does not host any major league sports teams, it does have minor league teams and is home to the US Olympic Training Center.
Denver, CO
Colorado Springs, CO
Denver, CO and 
Colorado Springs, CO : 60.3 miles
