Cost of Living: Fort Collins, CO vs Carrollton, TX (2026)

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Fort Collins is 18% more expensive than Carrollton.

$1,661/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ≈ Same
$83,598/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↑ 19%
$548,400 ↑ 55%
Home Value
$353,600 ↓ 36%
$1,692/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ≈ Same
169,705
Population
132,741

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $15,517/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Carrollton is cheaper to live in with an index of 116 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Carrollton?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $13/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Carrollton?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $15,517/year higher in Carrollton.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Texas?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with rent of $1,674/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Carrollton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Carrollton

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 Carrollton vs. New Haven Carrollton vs. Santa Clara Carrollton vs. Sterling Heights Carrollton vs. Fargo Carrollton vs. Coral Springs Carrollton vs. Norman