Manitou Springs, CO vs Sterling, CO

The cost of living difference between Manitou Springs, CO and Sterling, CO is dramatic. Sterling is 36.2% cheaper than Manitou Springs, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Manitou Springs has a cost index of 115 while Sterling sits at 84, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Manitou Springs is $1,175/month compared to $1,052/month in Sterling — a 12% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Sterling is more affordable at $205,200 median vs $545,800.

Median household income in Manitou Springs is $76,550 compared to $44,242 in Sterling (+73%). 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 28.5% in Sterling.