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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Fort Collins is 45% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,661/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 28%
$83,598/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 30%
$548,400 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 146%
$1,692/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 38%
169,705
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $466/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $5,592/year.

Median household income is $24,960/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Collins is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Berkeley?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $466/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Berkeley?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $24,960/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and California?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Berkeley details →

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