“If you moved 70 miles south, your rent would drop by $116 a month. But your commute would add 15 hours a week. Is it worth it?”
That's the question I've been getting from clients ever since Denver rents started climbing. Let me answer it with three stories—three real people who faced this choice. You'll see yourself in one of them.
Story #1: The Remote Worker Who Won
Sarah, 31, graphic designer. She worked remotely for a company in San Francisco. Her Denver rent hit $1,800 for a one‑bedroom in Capitol Hill. She was miserable.
“I barely left my apartment,” she told me. “What's the point of paying city prices if I'm not using the city?”
She moved to Colorado Springs in May 2025. Found a two‑bedroom for $1,400. Her rent dropped by $400 a month. Her car insurance dropped by $30. Her groceries stayed about the same. Her internet was actually faster for $10 less.
“I saved $500 a month instantly,” she said. “That's $6,000 a year. I put it all into my Roth IRA.”
She also started hiking more. She joined a climbing gym. She made friends. She's happier than she was in Denver.
Verdict: For remote workers with no commute to Denver, the Springs can be a huge win.
Story #2: The Commuter Who Lost
Mike, 38, construction project manager. His job site rotated, but his home base was downtown Denver. He thought moving to the Springs would save him money.
He found a house in the Springs for $425,000. Similar house in Denver would have been $575,000. He jumped at it.
Then the commute started. Every day: 1 hour 15 minutes each way. Sometimes longer. He was spending $400 a month on gas. His car needed oil changes every 6 weeks. He was exhausted.
“I was getting home at 7 PM,” he said. “I'd eat dinner, watch one show, and go to bed. I didn't see my kids. My marriage got tense.”
After eight months, he sold the house (made a small profit) and moved back to Denver, renting a townhouse in Stapleton. His housing costs went back up, but his gas bill dropped by $300 and his sanity returned.
“I calculated that the commute cost me about $6,000 a year in gas, wear and tear, and my time. I valued my time at $30 an hour. That's another $12,000. So the 'savings' disappeared.”
Verdict: If you commute to Denver, the Springs is not worth it. The math doesn't work.
Story #3: The Couple Who Split the Difference
Jenna and Carlos, both 29. Jenna worked remotely for a tech startup. Carlos had a hybrid job in Denver (two days in office, three at home).
They considered moving to the Springs but realized Carlos's commute would be brutal two days a week. Instead, they moved to Castle Rock—about halfway between Denver and the Springs.
Castle Rock rent: $1,650 for a two‑bedroom. Not as cheap as Springs, but cheaper than Denver ($2,300). Carlos's commute: 35 minutes to Denver on office days. Jenna's remote work unchanged.
“We saved about $600 a month compared to Denver,” Jenna said. “Carlos's gas bill went up by $100, but we still netted $500 savings. That's $6,000 a year.”
They're happy with the compromise. They still go to Denver for concerts and restaurants on weekends. They enjoy the quieter town during the week.
Verdict: For hybrid workers, a halfway point like Castle Rock or Parker might offer the best balance.
The Hypothetical: What If You Could Work Fully Remote?
Let's run the numbers for a hypothetical person earning $70,000 a year in Denver, with a fully remote job that lets them live anywhere in Colorado.
In Denver, take‑home pay (after taxes, 5% 401k, health insurance): about $4,200/month.
Average one‑bedroom rent: $1,800 → 43% of take‑home pay.
In Colorado Springs, take‑home pay same. Average one‑bedroom rent: $1,496 → 36% of take‑home pay.
That's 7 percentage points less. On $4,200/month, that's $300 more in your pocket each month.
Over a year: $3,600. Over five years: $18,000. That's real money.
But you lose access to Denver's job market. If you ever lose your remote job, you'll be searching in a smaller market with lower wages. That's a risk.
The Pros and Cons at a Glance
Colorado Springs pros: lower rent, lower traffic, closer to nature, friendlier for families, lower car insurance, slower pace.
Colorado Springs cons: fewer high‑paying jobs, longer commute to Denver, fewer cultural amenities (concerts, museums, pro sports), lower walkability, more conservative politics (if that matters to you).
Denver pros: more jobs, higher wages, better public transit, more amenities, younger vibe, better airport access.
Denver cons: higher rent, worse traffic, more crime in some areas, higher car insurance, more crowded.
My Honest Take
If you have a remote job that pays Denver wages, the Springs is a no‑brainer. You get Denver income with lower cost of living. That's an arbitrage opportunity.
If you work in Denver, don't move to the Springs. The commute will eat up all your savings and then some.
If you're hybrid (1‑2 days in office), look at Castle Rock, Parker, or even Lone Tree. Those suburbs offer a middle ground.
And if you're renting, remember that you're not stuck. Try a 6‑month lease in the Springs. If you hate it, move back. The transaction cost is a few thousand dollars. That's a small price to pay for certainty.
I will keep posting updates on this. Check back soon.
P.S. Cooper loves the Springs because there are more trails. He doesn't care about rent prices.
This article is for informational purposes. Job markets and rents change. Do your own math before moving.
Marcus Thompson
