Quick answer
🔴 Not comfortably on a single income. A firefighter in Colorado Springs earns roughly $57,527/yr (~$3,353/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,450/mo — that's 43% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
CO · 2026
Can a Firefighter Afford to Live in Colorado Springs?
Using local salary estimates and Colorado Springs's actual cost of living — rent, taxes, utilities, and groceries — here's the real monthly picture for a firefighter in Colorado Springs, CO in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$57,527/yr local estimate
$4,794
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
4.4% state income tax
-$1,441
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$3,353
1BR rent
43% of take-home
-$1,450
Utilities
Electric, gas, internet avg
-$165
Groceries
Single-person estimate
-$395
Transport
Car or transit average
-$350
Left for everything else
Dining, clothing, fun, savings
$993
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a firefighter in Colorado Springs could save roughly $4,764/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 43% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 43% of take-home pay, a firefighter in Colorado Springs is in difficult territory. Most financial advisors recommend finding a roommate, considering a cheaper area, or targeting salary growth before renting solo here.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $57,527/yr — adjusted from the national Firefighter median of $56,320/yr based on Colorado Springs's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in Colorado Springs for a Firefighter
Based on walkability, rent levels, and quality of life — not just lowest price.
Old North End
Historic neighborhood with character homes, tree-lined streets, and genuine walkability. Most walkable area in the city. Good for people seeking urban feel.
Patty Jewett
Residential, family-oriented, near golf course and parks. Middle-class feel, more affordable than Old North End, less walkable.
Broadmoor
Wealthy enclave, resort, golf, lake, shopping. High-end living, very car-dependent, most expensive neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Firefighter in Colorado Springs?
A Firefighter in Colorado Springs earns approximately $57,527 per year, based on the national BLS median of $56,320/yr adjusted for Colorado Springs's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Colorado Springs affordable for a firefighter in 2026?
Not comfortably as a solo renter. Rent takes 43% of take-home pay. A roommate arrangement would make Colorado Springs more feasible on a firefighter salary.
How much take-home pay does a Firefighter get in Colorado Springs?
After federal taxes, 4.4% state income tax, and FICA, a Firefighter earning $57,527/yr takes home roughly $3,353/month in Colorado Springs.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Firefighter in Colorado Springs?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Colorado Springs costs a median of $1,450/month. On a Firefighter salary, that's 43% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.