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According to “Best Places,” the overall cost of living score for Colorado Springs is more than 10% above the national average.
The single-family median home price in Colorado Springs is more than $500,000. Across El Paso County as a whole, the median price is somewhat lower since the county includes more affordable communities beyond the city core. Mortgage payments are likely to be above the Basic Allowance for Housing received.
The rental unit inventory has increased in the last few years, resulting in more rental options available but still costing 14% higher than the national average. In the Colorado Springs area, the rental cost for a two-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,600-1,800 per month.
Utilities costs have varied, with an estimated monthly utility cost for a residential home at $250 per month (with electricity making up 60% of the cost). Transportation costs, especially car insurance rates, have risen and are approximately 18% above the national average with Colorado drivers paying an average of $146 per month for full coverage.
Military family housing at the USAF Academy is privatized. Hunt Military Communities is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and managing the community. For comprehensive information about the privatized housing community at the Air Force Academy, visit the Air Force Academy Military Community website at https://www.airforceacademyhousing.com.
Homes and rental costs in the local area have risen above average rates. Plan to do some online research prior to your PCS to this area. Rental or mortgage payment for certain zip codes may be higher than others and the BAH rate for this area.
The Military Housing Office provides all DoW personnel with services to assist in locating suitable housing in the local community. Please contact the MHO at 10CES.CEH@us.af.mil for additional information. Before departing your current location, contact Hunt Military Communities at 719-982-4800 or visit the website at https://www.airforceacademyhousing.com. Please note no DSN number is available.
Road travel can be hazardous and challenging in the winter months, especially from the west, due to inclement weather and closures of mountain passes. Call the Colorado State Patrol at 303-239-4500 or access Colorado Department of Transportation website, information is also available on Facebook or Twitter (Colorado DOT). Colorado Trip also has timely travel information. If possible and/or necessary, detour around the mountains.
The United States Air Force Academy is located at 7,258 feet above sea level. Newcomers from lower elevations may experience minor altitude sickness. Be sure to drink plenty of water and do not overexert yourself in the first few weeks after arrival.
Depending on your category, Childcare may not be readily available upon your arrival in the Colorado Springs area. Please call the Academy Child Development Center, 719-333-6779 with any questions.
Welcome to your United States Air Force Academy! You are joining a highly motivated team with a proud legacy and distinctive heritage. Your 10th Air Base Wing provides superior support to the United States Air Force Academy's vision of developing warfighters, leaders, and critical thinkers. During your assignment at this premier institution, you will have a direct impact on cadets, military members, and families. Your leadership, talents and skills will be important to the training of over 4,000 future Air Force officers, the professional development of permanent party members, and the support provided to our family members.
As you are aware, Colorado Springs offers an unmatched lifestyle. You will be awed by the beautiful Garden of the Gods Park, majestic Pikes Peak scenery, and many more historic and tourist landmarks. We take pride in this area and the close relationship we have developed with Colorado Springs and the surrounding communities. Hence, we are excited that you have accepted this great honor to serve as an Air Force ambassador to the local community.
We are committed to ensure you arrive safely and transition successfully. We recommend you visit the Military and Family Readiness Center immediately upon your arrival. Our M&FRC serves as your liaison for spouse employment, volunteer opportunities, child-care resources to assist you during your relocation, local community services, and a myriad of other services and programs. Contact the M&FRC at 719-333-3444 or visit us at www.usafasupport.com.
We look forward to meeting you!
United States Air Force Academy Mission
The mission of the United States Air Force Academy is to forge leaders of character, motivated to a lifetime of service and developed to lead our U.S. Air Force and Space Force as we fight and win our nation's wars.
Core Values:
These values guide all service members of the U.S. Air Force, not just Academy cadets. From day one, these values are memorized and internalized to serve as the foundation and unifying element of a cadet's commitment to themselves, their comrades and their country. Our core values are our North Star.
The Four Pillars of Excellence:
The United States Air Force Academy is a direct reporting unit.
The Air Force Academy is the youngest of the U.S. service academies. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a congressional bill establishing the Air Force Academy on April 1, 1954. It was the intent of the Air Force to create a landmark equal to that of West Point, Annapolis or any other highly visible national asset. On June 14, 1954, the then Secretary of the Air Force, Harold E. Talbott, chose the present site and, on the same day, named a corner of Lowery AFB, Colorado, as the temporary site of the Academy while the permanent site was being constructed. The dedication of the temporary site and the swearing in of the first class (306 cadets) took place on July 11, 1955. Lt. Gen Hubert R. Harmon, who had been involved in much of the pre-legislation Academy planning, was recalled from retirement to become the first Superintendent. The first class of cadets to include women entered in 1976, and graduated in 1980. The Academy received two special honors on April 1, 2004 when the U.S. Postal Service celebrated the Academy’s 50th anniversary with a commemorative 37-cent stamp. Additionally, the Academy’s cadet area was designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior. For more information, visit the USAF Academy's homepage.
The Air Force Academy has a diverse population.
Approximate installation population:
The Colorado Springs area population growth is on the rise.
The Colorado Springs metropolitan area, which covers El Paso and Teller counties, has a population of approximately 777,635. The city of Colorado Springs itself has a population of more than 495,000 based on recent data, making it the second-largest city in Colorado, and is known for its rapid growth, military presence and scenic location.
The population served is as follows (population type: number):
Located at the foothills of the beautiful Rocky Mountains, the United States Air Force Academy is northwest of Colorado Springs, Colorado. The Academy is serviced by the Colorado Springs Airport, which is 15 miles south. Colorado Springs is a military town that continues to experience tremendous growth. "The Springs," as we are known, has an above-average cost of living with housing prices above the national average. The median list price, or midpoint, of homes is $448,500. The median listing price per square foot is about $240, as of Aug 2026.
Directions from Colorado Springs Airport
The Academy is located approximately 15 miles northwest of the Colorado Springs Airport; https://coloradosprings.gov/flycos. As you exit the airport, drive west on Milton E. Proby Pkwy. Merge onto S Academy Blvd/CO-83, go 1.9 miles, then merge onto I-25 N toward Colorado Springs. Take the Academy Blvd exit, EXIT 150, toward CO-83. Keep left to take the ramp toward the US Air Force Academy South Entrance. Turn left onto N Academy Blvd, cross over I-25 then continue towards South Gate Blvd. There is no military shuttle service to and from the airport.
Directions from Denver International Airport
If arriving at Denver International Airport (DIA), follow the signs to exit DIA Access Plaza on Pena Boulevard. Follow Pena Boulevard approximately 9 miles and exit on westbound I-70. From I-70, exit on southbound I-225. From I-225, exit on southbound I-25. Alternatively, you can take the E470 Toll Road from Pena Boulevard to southbound I-25 exit, about 30 miles, with a cost of approximately $15.00 which you will be billed for. Continue southbound on I-25 to either Academy north gate (exit 156) or south gate (exit 150) entrance. DIA is approximately 80 miles North of the Academy. Please be advised; this route will traverse Monument Hill (elevation: 7,254 ft.). Monument Hill can be icy during winter months.
Base Gate Access
Travelers can enter the Air Force Academy through two entrance gates; the South Gate and the North Gate. The South Gate is a 24 hours entry point located off I-25 at North Academy Blvd, Exit 150. The North Gate is located off I-25 at North Gate Blvd, Exit 156. Please note: The North Gate is only open from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
The Academy is located 50 miles south of Denver and is 10 miles northwest of downtown Colorado Springs. Approach Colorado Springs via I-25 from either north or south and take exit 156 (north gate) or 150 (south gate) to enter the Academy. North gate entry point is open from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. The south gate entry point is open 24/7. The Academy is situated between I-25 and the base of the Rocky Mountains to the West.
Directions from bus station
The Greyhound-TNM & O Bus Station is located at 1251 South Tejon Street in downtown Colorado Springs. The bus will stop in the Park & Ride located on S. Tejon St between S. Nevada Ave and S. Tejon St. Under Highway 25 (Monument Valley Hwy). From the bus stop, exit to I-25 North. Take I-25 (northbound) for approximately 10 miles, take exit 150, stay in the far-left exit lane, turn left and enter the Academy via the south gate.
Directions to Rampart Lodge at USAF Academy from installation entry points
If arriving from the north, take exit 156, veer to the right, and you will enter the Academy via the north gate on North Gate Boulevard. Stay on North Gate Blvd. for approximately one-quarter mile, then turn left on Stadium Blvd. for one-quarter mile to Academy Drive; turn right on Academy Drive. Stay on Academy Drive for approximately two miles; after cresting the hill, turn right (the Falcon Club will be on your left), then turn right again. Rampart Lodging office will be on your left.
If arriving from the south, take exit 150, stay in the far left exit lanes, and at the traffic lights, turn left. You are on Stadium Boulevard, and the south gate entry point is just ahead. Stay on Stadium Blvd. for approximately three miles. You will pass the Thunderbird Overlook on your right, stay on Stadium Blvd. past Falcon Stadium, then turn left onto Academy Drive. Stay on Academy Drive for approximately two miles; after cresting the hill, turn right (the Falcon Club will be on your left), then turn right again. Rampart Lodging office will be on your left.
There are no longer base operators at the USAF Academy. Please search the Military Installations content or visit https://www.usafa.af.mil/ to find specific organizations or information, or call the Military & Family Readiness Center, 719-333-3444.