FIRE in Colorado Springs, CO

Local insight: What makes this city unique for FIRE isn't obvious from census data alone. After running detailed cost analysis and factoring in local tax quirks, healthcare variability, and housing market dynamics, I've found the standard FIRE formulas need significant adjustment for local conditions.

Colorado Springs is Denver's more affordable neighbor and a strong FIRE destination: Pikes Peak views, strong military/tech job market (Space Force, defense contractors), and housing 25% cheaper than Denver.

Category Monthly Cost
Housing (1BR) $1,450
Food $450
Transportation $300
Healthcare $430
Utilities $200
Entertainment $350
Total $3,180

Median home: $460,000. FIRE number: $954,000 (Lean), $1,335,000 (Traditional). Flat 4.4% CO tax.

Local Considerations

TABOR amendment keeps property taxes exceptionally low (~0.6%). Military presence (Fort Carson, Peterson, Schriever, NORAD) provides economic stability. Pikes Peak region has 300+ sunny days. Water is expensive — budget $80-120/mo. Despite the water costs, Colorado Springs is one of the best cities for FIRE in the Mountain West.

Neighborhood Breakdown

Neighborhood 1BR Rent Median Home Walk Score Transit Score Vibe
Old Colorado City / West Side $1,300-1,700 $$380-500K 55 20 Historic, walkable, mountain views
North End / Rockrimmon $1,400-1,800 $$420-550K 35 15 Good schools, family homes, quiet
Southeast / Fountain $1,000-1,400 $$300-400K 25 10 Most affordable, growing, longer commute
Manitou Springs (neighbor) $1,300-1,700 $$400-550K 65 15 Tourist town, quirky, hiking access

Tax Reality

CO flat 4.4% income tax. No local income tax. Property tax ~0.6% effective (among lowest in US — TABOR amendment). Sales tax 8.2% (state 2.9% + city 5.3%).

Cost data from Zillow Rental Market Report (Q1 2026) and Redfin Data Center. Tax rates from official state Department of Revenue publications for 2026.

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