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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Fort Collins is 30% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,661/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 28%
$83,598/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 25%
$548,400 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 57%
$1,692/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 33%
169,705
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $463/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $5,556/year.

Median household income is $20,621/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Collins is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Fullerton?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $463/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Fullerton?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $20,621/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Fullerton

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 Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren