Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Austin is 2% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,655/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ≈ Same
$91,461/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↓ 9%
$512,700 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 7%
$1,747/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↓ 3%
967,862
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,863/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Austin or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $6/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $7,863/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Colorado?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Fort Collins details →

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