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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Fort Collins is 10% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,661/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 8%
$83,598/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 36%
$548,400 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 10%
$1,692/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 15%
169,705
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.4%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $141/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $1,692/year.

Median household income is $29,798/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Colorado.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Arvada — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Collins is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Arvada?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $141/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Arvada?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $29,798/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Colorado?
Both cities are in Colorado and share the same state tax rates: 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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