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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Fort Collins is 73% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,661/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 24%
$83,598/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 36%
$548,400 ↑ 190%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 66%
$1,692/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 27%
169,705
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
3.07%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $392/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $4,704/year.

Median household income is $30,195/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Allentown — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Allentown?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $392/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Allentown?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $30,195/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Pennsylvania?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Allentown details →

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