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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Fort Collins is 65% more expensive than Athens.

$1,661/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 30%
$83,598/yr ↑ 62%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 38%
$548,400 ↑ 102%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 50%
$1,692/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 31%
169,705
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.49%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $499/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $5,988/year.

Median household income is $31,943/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Athens — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Athens?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $499/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Athens?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $31,943/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Georgia?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Athens details →

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