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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Fort Collins is 46% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,661/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 61%
$83,598/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 67%
$548,400 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 111%
$1,692/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 66%
169,705
Population
114,500

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,017/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $12,204/year.

Median household income is $55,728/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Collins is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,017/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $55,728/year higher in Carlsbad.
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 Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

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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 Carlsbad vs. East Los Angeles Carlsbad vs. Waterbury Carlsbad vs. Lowell Carlsbad vs. Provo Carlsbad vs. League City Carlsbad vs. Elgin