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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Denver is 7% more expensive than Fort Collins.

$1,770/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↓ 6%
$91,681/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↓ 9%
$586,700 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$548,400 ↓ 7%
$1,839/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↓ 8%
713,734
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

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $109/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $1,308/year.

Median household income is $8,083/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Denver 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 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $109/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $8,083/year higher in Denver.
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 Denver or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Fort Collins details →

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