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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Fort Collins is 43% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,661/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 65%
$83,598/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 51%
$548,400 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 90%
$1,692/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 56%
169,705
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
9.0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,081/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $12,972/year.

Median household income is $42,871/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Collins is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Cambridge?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,081/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Cambridge?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $42,871/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Massachusetts?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Cambridge details →

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