When considering a move or a visit between San Diego, California, and Colorado Springs, Colorado, there are many factors to consider. Each city has its unique qualities, affecting factors like crime and safety, cost of living, education, and numerous other lifestyle elements. This comparison will offer an in-depth look at both cities, distinguishing attributes, helping with the decision-making process for potential residents or tourists.
Distance between
San Diego, CA and
Colorado Springs, CO : 808.6 miles
San Diego's population is larger by 186%. Its population has grown by 158,211 people (12.9%) since 2000. The population of Colorado Springs has grown by 123,066 people (34.1%) during that time.
In San Diego, the crime rate is lower than the national average making it one of the safest big cities in the United States. The city's robust law enforcement consistently works to ensure the safety of its residents and tourists. In contrast, Colorado Springs has a higher crime rate compared to the national average. Though some neighborhoods take strict initiatives to minimize crime, the overall crime rate remains a concern for potential residents and visitors.
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 1,334 registered sex offenders living in San Diego and 1,675 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Diego is 1,054 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 lot smaller in San Diego than in Colorado Springs.
Cost of Living
San Diego's cost of living is considerably high, with expenses like housing, groceries, and healthcare exceeding national averages. Conversely, the cost of living in Colorado Springs is slightly below the national average, making it a comparatively affordable place to live.
Income Tax
California has a progressive income tax system, making San Diego's income tax rates high compared to many other states. Colorado Springs, however, has a flat income tax rate of 4.63% regardless of income level, making it potentially more affordable for higher earners.
Property Tax
Property taxes in San Diego are relatively high due to the high property values, but the tax rate itself is relatively low. On the other hand, Colorado Springs has average property tax rates in line with the national average.
Sales Tax
San Diego has a higher sales tax rate ranging from 7.75% to 8.5%, compared to Colorado Springs which has a lower sales tax rate at about 8.25%.
Income
Type
San Diego
Colorado Springs
Estimated median household income
$93,042
$74,579
Estimated per capita income
$48,380
$39,808
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
126.4
99.6
If you make $50,000 in Colorado Springs, you will have to make $63,454 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Diego is renowned for its beautiful coastline, beaches, and mild climate. Colorado Springs is famous for its remarkable mountain views, especially of Pikes Peak, and offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.
Both cities prioritize education. San Diego is home to a variety of highly rated public and private schools and is renowned for its universities, including the University of San Diego. Similarly, Colorado Springs has excellent public, private, and charter schools and is home to institutions like the University of Colorado Springs.
Both cities offer abundant job opportunities. San Diego's economy is heavily influenced by the military, healthcare, research, and tourism sectors. Colorado Springs' economy is diverse with a strong focus on the military, high-tech industry, and tourism.
Biggest Employers
In San Diego, some of the largest employers are the US Navy, UC San Diego, and Sharp Healthcare. In contrast, in Colorado Springs, the largest employers are Fort Carson, Peterson Air Force Base, and Schriever Air Force Base.
In San Diego (San Diego County), 52.6% voted for Democrats and 45.0% 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
San Diego
Colorado Springs
San Diego
Colorado Springs
San Diego
Colorado Springs
2020
60.3%
43.0%
37.5%
53.9%
2.1%
3.1%
2016
56.3%
34.1%
36.6%
56.6%
7.1%
9.4%
2012
52.6%
38.7%
45.0%
59.2%
2.4%
2.0%
2008
54.2%
40.0%
44.0%
58.9%
1.8%
1.1%
2004
46.7%
32.2%
52.9%
66.9%
0.4%
0.9%
2000
45.8%
30.9%
49.8%
64.1%
4.5%
5.0%
1996
44.1%
32.2%
45.6%
59.0%
10.3%
8.8%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Diego
Colorado Springs
San Diego
Colorado Springs
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.9%
8.4%
6.7%
5.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.1%
2.6%
12.0%
11.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
0.0%
1.1%
0.2%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.2%
2.0%
1.2%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
2.0%
1.6%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
1.0%
2.0%
2.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.7%
2.2%
1.9%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
0.3%
1.5%
1.2%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.1%
0.4%
1.2%
1.2%
Weather
San Diego boasts a mild, Mediterranean climate with lots of sunshine, offering residents and tourists alike the ideal setting for outdoor activities throughout the year. On the other hand, Colorado Springs experiences a four-season climate with substantial snowfall in winter and warm, dry summers. This colder climate draws winter sports enthusiasts but is also a potential deterrent for people who prefer warmer weather.
Weather and climate
Type
San Diego
Colorado Springs
Temperature - Average
64.4°F
43.4°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74%
53.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
22%
30%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
80%
64%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
58%
34%
Precipitation - Yearly average
11 in
18.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
77 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
24.3%
21.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
74.8%
82.2%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
19%
10.5%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
75%
79.7%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
56%
69.2%
Wind speed - Average
6.9 mph
10.3 mph
Average climate in San Diego, California
Average climate in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Diego
Colorado Springs
San Diego
Colorado Springs
San Diego
Colorado Springs
San Diego
San Diego
Colorado Springs
San Diego
Colorado Springs
San Diego
Colorado Springs
San Diego
Colorado Springs
2018
101
60
0.53
N/A
11.2
N/A
32.6
N/A
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.5
6.3
0.1
N/A
2017
115
58
0.63
N/A
12.7
N/A
32.7
N/A
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.8
6.1
0.1
N/A
2016
105
48
0.46
N/A
13.0
N/A
30.4
N/A
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.4
6.9
0.1
N/A
2015
111
N/A
0.43
N/A
13.2
N/A
29.9
N/A
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.9
N/A
0.1
N/A
2014
105
N/A
0.44
N/A
11.6
N/A
31.1
N/A
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.1
N/A
0.1
N/A
2013
138
N/A
0.50
N/A
12.4
N/A
27.4
N/A
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.3
N/A
0.2
N/A
2012
110
N/A
0.53
N/A
12.7
N/A
28.0
N/A
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.6
N/A
0.2
N/A
2011
122
N/A
0.51
N/A
13.5
N/A
29.0
N/A
0.034
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.0
N/A
1.5
N/A
2010
109
N/A
0.52
N/A
14.0
N/A
29.3
N/A
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.9
N/A
1.0
N/A
2009
121
N/A
0.64
N/A
15.6
N/A
26.9
N/A
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.1
N/A
2.7
N/A
2008
127
N/A
0.71
N/A
16.1
N/A
28.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
67.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.6
N/A
2007
157
N/A
0.71
N/A
16.4
N/A
28.0
N/A
0.012
N/A
64.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.8
N/A
2006
123
15
0.81
0.50
18.9
N/A
27.1
N/A
0.056
0.005
64.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.4
N/A
2005
112
17
0.90
0.55
19.2
N/A
24.4
N/A
0.049
0.027
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.7
N/A
2004
120
17
0.93
0.56
18.4
N/A
25.9
N/A
0.055
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.6
N/A
2003
124
19
0.88
0.59
19.4
N/A
25.4
N/A
0.049
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.8
N/A
2002
125
24
0.86
0.66
20.9
N/A
25.9
N/A
0.039
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.6
N/A
2001
132
51
0.93
0.63
20.4
16.7
26.5
N/A
0.048
0.005
N/A
21.3
N/A
N/A
3.4
1.9
2000
134
78
1.02
0.58
22.3
22.5
23.8
N/A
0.054
0.010
N/A
21.0
N/A
N/A
3.6
2.3
Natural disasters
Type
San Diego
Colorado Springs
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
6.7%
78.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
5,835%
816.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
39%
17%
Transportation
San Diego boasts an extensive public transit system that includes buses, light rail, and trains. On the other hand, Colorado Springs is mostly car-dependent, despite having a Metro bus system, as public transportation options are somewhat limited.
Transport
Type
San Diego
Colorado Springs
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
1
FAA registered aircraft
852
552
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
33
44
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Diego
Colorado Springs
Bicycle
0.6%
0.3%
Bus
2%
0.4%
Carpooled
9.4%
9.2%
Car alone
81.7%
87%
Ferryboat
0.1%
0%
Motorcycle
0.3%
0.1%
Railroad
0.5%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
3.6%
2.1%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Diego
Colorado Springs
Average
27.4 min
23.8 min
Other means
22.7 min
21.3 min
Public transportation
45.7 min
39 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Diego
Colorado Springs
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
89.5%
90%
In 2 person carpool
7.6%
7.5%
In 3 person carpool
1.8%
1.9%
In 4 person carpool
0.4%
0.2%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.4%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
San Diego's real estate is expensive with high demand and limited supply resulting in inflated property prices. Though Housing in Colorado Springs is more affordable than San Diego, price hikes have been noted owing to the city's growing popularity.
Neighborhoods
Both cities offer diverse living options. San Diego offers a variety of beachfront, urban, and suburban neighborhoods each with their vibe. Colorado Springs features various neighborhoods nestled against the beautiful backdrop of Pikes Peak.
Houses and residents
Type
San Diego
Colorado Springs
Houses
555,456
205,380
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.4
Median year apartment built
1980
1984
Median year house/condo built
1977
1987
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.1 years
10.6 years
Houses occupied
521,000 (93.8%)
197,542 (96.2%)
Houses occupied by owners
251,507 (48.3%)
123,398 (62.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
269,493 (51.7%)
74,144 (37.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,096
$1,458
Median monthly housing costs
$2,044
$1,422
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$957,871
$595,239
Estimated median house or condo value
$768,800
$390,500
Median numbers of rooms
4.6
6
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.9
7.2
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$427,641
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$389,381
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$529,375
$295,560
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$543,091
$258,564
Median house price - mobile homes
$134,064
$30,081
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$696,014
$308,944
Median house price - All housing units
$941,291
$403,675
Median house age
42
35
Renting percentage
51.7%
39.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,712.6
1,105.7
House value disparities
23.6%
25.2%
Household income disparities
42.3%
41%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$138,584
$99,037
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$97,588
$72,581
Housing units without a mortgage
2,803 (1.6%)
1,835 (2.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,495 (6.9%)
6,564 (7.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
177,643 (98.4%)
87,580 (97.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
694 (0.4%)
86 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,654 (9.2%)
7,898 (8.8%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
11
7
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.8%
0.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.3%
0.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Diego
Colorado Springs
One, detached
43.4%
62.3%
One, attached
9.9%
8.3%
Two
1.9%
1.4%
3 or 4
6.0%
4.7%
5 to 9
9.3%
4.9%
10 to 19
7.4%
6.7%
20 to 49
6.3%
6.1%
50 or more
14.6%
4.0%
Mobile homes
1.0%
1.7%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
39,709
13,110
State government workers
29,438
7,029
Unpaid family workers
808
735
Industries and Occupations
San Diego is widely known for its defense and military, tourism, international trade, and research sectors. Meanwhile, the main industries in Colorado Springs include military, advanced manufacturing, and aerospace and defense.
Both cities excel in healthcare. San Diego hosts globally recognized healthcare institutions like UCSD Health and Scripps Health. Colorado Springs also provides excellent healthcare services with medical centers like UCHealth Memorial Hospital and Penrose-St. Francis Health Services.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Diego
Colorado Springs
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Diego boasts a robust infrastructure with impressive public amenities and services. However, the city is known for its heavy traffic. Colorado Springs also offers good infrastructure, but it's less densely populated leading to generally smoother commuting experiences.
Infrastructure
Type
San Diego
Colorado Springs
Hospitals
26
10
TV stations
13
18
Arenas or stadiums
4
3
Bank branches located here
255
133
Bank institutions located here
40
33
Main business address for public companies
92
6
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
6
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Diego
Colorado Springs
1999
3,865
1,957
2000
2,257
985
2001
1,754
756
2002
2,118
502
2003
5,074
1,131
2004
7,646
1,811
2005
8,409
2,631
2006
7,551
2,188
2007
5,741
1,246
2008
2,876
496
2009
1,675
233
Culture and Food
San Diego is famed for its festive culture and tantalizing cuisine, heavily influenced by its close proximity to Mexico. Colorado Springs embodies a laid-back mountain culture with a food scene that steadily incorporates more diverse influences.
Sports Teams
San Diego has major league baseball and soccer teams. However, currently, it does not have an NFL team. Colorado Springs doesn't have any major league teams but is close to Denver, which has NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL teams.
San Diego, CA
Colorado Springs, CO
San Diego, CA and 
Colorado Springs, CO : 808.6 miles
