Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Chicago is 27% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,380/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 20%
$75,134/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 11%
$315,200 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 74%
$1,502/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 13%
2,707,648
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $281/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $3,372/year.

Median household income is $8,464/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Chicago or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $281/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $8,464/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Colorado?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Fort Collins details →

More Comparisons

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