Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Boston is 28% more expensive than Fort Collins.

$2,093/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↓ 21%
$94,755/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↓ 12%
$710,400 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$548,400 ↓ 23%
$2,176/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↓ 22%
663,972
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $432/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $5,184/year.

Median household income is $11,157/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Boston or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Collins is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $432/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $11,157/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Colorado?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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.
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