Can A Firefighter Afford Rent in Colorado Springs, CO?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 31.6% of gross income.
Colorado Springs rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Colorado state estimate).
About rent and a firefighter salary
Firefighter base pay plus typical overtime sits modestly above the US median household income, but local rent levels determine whether that translates into affordability or rent burden. At the national-average firefighter base salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,570 a month in rent. The per-city pages compare local rent against local firefighter-pay estimates so renters can see where rent stays in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Colorado cities have lower median rent than Colorado Springs, which improves the affordability math on a firefighter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Colorado Springs
View full rent data for Colorado Springs, CO →Frequently asked questions
Can a firefighter afford rent in Colorado Springs, CO?
Median rent in Colorado Springs is $1,739 a month. A typical firefighter in Colorado earns about $65,951 a year, which makes that rent 31.6% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a firefighter afford in Colorado Springs?
Using the 30% rule, a firefighter salary in Colorado (~$65,951/yr) supports up to $1,649 a month in rent. Colorado Springs's current median rent is $1,739/mo, which is $90/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a firefighter work to cover rent in Colorado Springs?
At an hourly equivalent of about $32 an hour, a firefighter in Colorado works roughly 54.8 hours a month to cover Colorado Springs's median rent of $1,739.
Where is rent cheaper than Colorado Springs for a firefighter?
Nearby Colorado cities with lower median rent include Lakewood ($1,738/mo), Lakewood ($1,737/mo), Stratmoor ($1,736/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a firefighter salary.