Manitou Springs, CO vs Pagosa Springs, CO

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Pagosa Springs is 18.4% cheaper than Manitou Springs. With a cost index of 97 vs 115, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Pagosa Springs to Manitou Springs should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Manitou Springs is $1,175/month compared to $1,068/month in Pagosa Springs — a 10% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Pagosa Springs is more affordable at $353,800 median vs $545,800.

Median household income in Manitou Springs is $76,550 compared to $36,712 in Pagosa Springs (+108.5%). While Manitou Springs is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Manitou Springs spend roughly 18.4% of their income on rent, less than the 34.9% in Pagosa Springs. The Manitou Springs ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.