Cost of Living: Colorado Springs, CO vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Colorado Springs is 13% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,562/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 6%
$83,198/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$83,598/yr ≈ Same
$420,700 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 30%
$1,592/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 6%
483,099
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.4%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Colorado Springs, CO and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $99/month cheaper in Colorado Springs, saving renters about $1,188/year.

Median household income is $400/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Colorado Springs is $420,700 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Colorado.

Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado Springs vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Colorado Springs or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Colorado Springs is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Colorado Springs and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Colorado Springs is $1,562/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $99/month.
Which city has higher income, Colorado Springs or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $83,198 in Colorado Springs and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $400/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Colorado?
Both cities are in Colorado and share the same state tax rates: 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Colorado Springs or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Colorado Springs has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,562/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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