Quick answer
⚠️ Possible, but a stretch. A nurse in Colorado Springs earns roughly $82,960/yr (~$4,836/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,450/mo — that's 30% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
CO · 2026
Can a Registered Nurse 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 nurse in Colorado Springs, CO in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$82,960/yr local estimate
$6,913
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
4.4% state income tax
-$2,077
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$4,836
1BR rent
30% 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
$2,476
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a nurse in Colorado Springs could save roughly $11,880/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 30% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 30% of take-home pay, a nurse in Colorado Springs is above the recommended threshold. Not impossible, but you'll need to keep non-rent expenses lean.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $82,960/yr — adjusted from the national Registered Nurse median of $81,220/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 Registered Nurse
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 Registered Nurse in Colorado Springs?
A Registered Nurse in Colorado Springs earns approximately $82,960 per year, based on the national BLS median of $81,220/yr adjusted for Colorado Springs's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Colorado Springs affordable for a nurse in 2026?
It's a stretch. Rent takes 30% of take-home pay — above the recommended 30%. Sharing a 2BR or targeting higher-paying employers makes more sense.
How much take-home pay does a Registered Nurse get in Colorado Springs?
After federal taxes, 4.4% state income tax, and FICA, a Registered Nurse earning $82,960/yr takes home roughly $4,836/month in Colorado Springs.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Registered Nurse in Colorado Springs?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Colorado Springs costs a median of $1,450/month. On a Registered Nurse salary, that's 30% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.