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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Fort Collins is 45% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,661/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 51%
$83,598/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 93%
$548,400 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 119%
$1,692/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 53%
169,705
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $844/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $10,128/year.

Median household income is $77,702/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Bellevue residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Collins is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Bellevue?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $844/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Bellevue?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $77,702/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Washington?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Bellevue details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Bellevue

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 Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet