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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Fort Collins is 40% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,661/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 44%
$83,598/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 32%
$548,400 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 92%
$1,692/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 46%
169,705
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $734/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $8,808/year.

Median household income is $26,475/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Collins is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $734/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $26,475/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Costa Mesa

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 Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria