Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Atlanta is 11% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,617/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 3%
$81,938/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 2%
$420,600 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 30%
$1,695/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ≈ Same
499,287
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,660/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Fort Collins slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Atlanta or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Atlanta is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $44/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $1,660/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Colorado?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/mo, while Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,661/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Atlanta details → View Fort Collins details →

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