Colorado · Population 169,705 · Updated March 2026
How far your income goes in Fort Collins
State-level tax rates that affect your costs
Fort Collins has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 137 (where 100 equals the national median), Fort Collins residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,661/month while earning a median household income of $83,598/year.
The median home value in Fort Collins, CO is $548,400, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,692 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 23.8% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.
Colorado has a moderate income tax rate of 4.4%. Combined with a 2.9% sales tax rate and 0.51% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Fort Collins.
Common questions about living costs in Fort Collins
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