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

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Detroit is 61% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,034/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 61%
$39,575/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 111%
$76,800 ↓ 86%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 614%
$868/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 95%
636,644
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $627/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $7,524/year.

Median household income is $44,023/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Detroit slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Detroit or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $627/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $44,023/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Colorado?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/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 Detroit details → View Fort Collins details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Detroit and Fort Collins

Detroit vs. Portland Detroit vs. Memphis Detroit vs. Las Vegas Detroit vs. Louisville Detroit vs. Boston Detroit vs. Baltimore Fort Collins vs. Lancaster Fort Collins vs. Springfield Fort Collins vs. Pembroke Pines Fort Collins vs. Palmdale Fort Collins vs. Garden Grove Fort Collins vs. Salinas