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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Fort Collins is 93% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,661/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 33%
$83,598/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 25%
$548,400 ↑ 207%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 67%
$1,692/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 34%
169,705
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $555/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $6,660/year.

Median household income is $20,878/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Abilene — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Abilene?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $555/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Abilene?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $20,878/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Texas?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Abilene

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 Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland