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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Fort Collins is 13% more expensive than Ann Arbor.

$1,661/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↓ 7%
$83,598/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↓ 3%
$548,400 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$435,100 ↓ 21%
$1,692/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↓ 3%
169,705
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $109/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $1,308/year.

Median household income is $2,509/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ann Arbor is cheaper to live in with an index of 121 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $109/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $2,509/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Michigan?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Ann Arbor details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Ann Arbor

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 Ann Arbor vs. Lafayette Ann Arbor vs. Berkeley Ann Arbor vs. Rochester Ann Arbor vs. Fairfield Ann Arbor vs. Independence Ann Arbor vs. Hartford