Cost of Living: Fort Collins, CO vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Fort Collins is 2% more expensive than East Los Angeles.

$1,661/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↓ 14%
$83,598/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↓ 18%
$548,400 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 12%
$1,692/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↓ 14%
169,705
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $230/month cheaper in East Los Angeles, saving renters about $2,760/year.

Median household income is $15,220/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Fort Collins or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, East Los Angeles is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $230/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $15,220/year higher in Fort Collins.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View East Los Angeles details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and East Los Angeles

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