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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Fort Collins is 21% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,661/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 22%
$83,598/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 36%
$548,400 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 27%
$1,692/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 28%
169,705
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.75%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $370/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $4,440/year.

Median household income is $30,040/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Collins is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Alexandria?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $370/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Alexandria?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $30,040/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Virginia?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Alexandria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Alexandria

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 Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen