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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Downey

California
169

Fort Collins is 19% cheaper than Downey.

$1,661/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 14%
$83,598/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 5%
$548,400 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 33%
$1,692/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 18%
169,705
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $231/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $2,772/year.

Median household income is $3,802/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Downey — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Collins is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Downey?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $231/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Downey?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $3,802/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Downey details →

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