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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Fort Collins is 30% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,661/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 7%
$83,598/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 23%
$548,400 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 41%
$1,692/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 17%
169,705
Population
117,075

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
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $122/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $1,464/year.

Median household income is $19,158/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Clearwater?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $122/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Clearwater?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $19,158/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 Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Clearwater

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 Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville