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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Brandon

Florida
108

Fort Collins is 27% more expensive than Brandon.

$1,661/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,691/mo ↑ 2%
$83,598/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$77,068/yr ↓ 8%
$548,400 ↑ 87%
Home Value
$293,800 ↓ 46%
$1,692/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,546/mo ↓ 9%
169,705
Population
116,365

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Brandon, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 108 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,530/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $293,800 in Brandon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Brandon — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Brandon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brandon is cheaper to live in with an index of 108 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Brandon?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Brandon it's $1,691/month — a difference of $30/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Brandon?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $77,068 in Brandon. Median household income is $6,530/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Florida?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Brandon?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Brandon has a cost index of 108 with rent of $1,691/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Brandon details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Brandon

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 Brandon vs. Evansville Brandon vs. West Jordan Brandon vs. The Woodlands Brandon vs. Broken Arrow Brandon vs. Lakeland Brandon vs. Antioch