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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Fort Collins is 51% more expensive than College Station.

$1,661/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 30%
$83,598/yr ↑ 61%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 38%
$548,400 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 40%
$1,692/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 26%
169,705
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $493/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $5,916/year.

Median household income is $31,822/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs College Station — common questions

Is Fort Collins or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and College Station?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $493/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or College Station?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $31,822/year higher in Fort Collins.
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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and College Station

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 College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette