Cost of Living: Fort Collins, CO vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Fort Collins is 22% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$1,661/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 12%
$83,598/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 24%
$548,400 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 28%
$1,692/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 9%
169,705
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
10.75%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.51%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $198/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $2,376/year.

Median household income is $19,724/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $198/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $19,724/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and New Jersey?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Elizabeth

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 Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland