Cost of Living: Fort Collins, CO vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Fort Collins is 73% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,661/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 24%
$83,598/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 22%
$548,400 ↑ 166%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 62%
$1,692/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 31%
169,705
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.25%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $397/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $4,764/year.

Median household income is $18,406/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Dearborn?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $397/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Dearborn?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $18,406/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Michigan?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Dearborn details →

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