Quick answer
🔴 Not comfortably on a single income. A hair stylist in Colorado Springs earns roughly $36,230/yr (~$2,293/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,450/mo — that's 63% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
CO · 2026
Can a Hair Stylist 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 hair stylist in Colorado Springs, CO in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$36,230/yr local estimate
$3,019
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
4.4% state income tax
-$726
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$2,293
1BR rent
63% 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
-$67
After essentials, the numbers are in the red. This city is a financial stretch on a single hair stylist income — a roommate arrangement or 2BR split would change the picture significantly.
What Does 63% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 63% of take-home pay, a hair stylist 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 $36,230/yr — adjusted from the national Hair Stylist median of $35,470/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 Hair Stylist
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 Hair Stylist in Colorado Springs?
A Hair Stylist in Colorado Springs earns approximately $36,230 per year, based on the national BLS median of $35,470/yr adjusted for Colorado Springs's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Colorado Springs affordable for a hair stylist in 2026?
Not comfortably as a solo renter. Rent takes 63% of take-home pay. A roommate arrangement would make Colorado Springs more feasible on a hair stylist salary.
How much take-home pay does a Hair Stylist get in Colorado Springs?
After federal taxes, 4.4% state income tax, and FICA, a Hair Stylist earning $36,230/yr takes home roughly $2,293/month in Colorado Springs.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Hair Stylist in Colorado Springs?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Colorado Springs costs a median of $1,450/month. On a Hair Stylist salary, that's 63% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.