Cost of Living: Elk Grove, CA vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Elk Grove is 23% more expensive than Fort Collins.

$2,180/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↓ 24%
$122,229/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↓ 32%
$603,400 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$548,400 ↓ 9%
$2,227/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↓ 24%
177,221
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $519/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $6,228/year.

Median household income is $38,631/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Elk Grove 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 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $519/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $38,631/year higher in Elk Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Elk Grove or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/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 Elk Grove details → View Fort Collins details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and Fort Collins

Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem 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