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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Fort Collins is 18% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,661/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 32%
$83,598/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 22%
$548,400 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 8%
$1,692/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 32%
169,705
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $530/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $6,360/year.

Median household income is $18,723/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Collins is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Fairfield?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $530/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Fairfield?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $18,723/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

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