Cost of Living: Fort Collins, CO vs Independence, MO (2026)

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Fort Collins is 104% more expensive than Independence.

$1,661/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 36%
$83,598/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 29%
$548,400 ↑ 230%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 70%
$1,692/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 38%
169,705
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.95%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $600/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $7,200/year.

Median household income is $24,118/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Independence — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Independence?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $600/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Independence?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $24,118/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Missouri?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Independence details →

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