Cost of Living: Fort Collins, CO vs Hartford, CT (2026)

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Fort Collins is 69% more expensive than Hartford.

$1,661/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 26%
$83,598/yr ↑ 85%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 46%
$548,400 ↑ 152%
Home Value
$217,200 ↓ 60%
$1,692/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↓ 24%
169,705
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
6.99%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.51%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $440/month cheaper in Hartford, saving renters about $5,280/year.

Median household income is $38,298/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Hartford — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Hartford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hartford is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Hartford?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $440/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Hartford?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $38,298/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Connecticut?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Hartford has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Hartford details →

More Comparisons

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