Cost of Living: Fort Collins, CO vs Kansas City, KS (2026)

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Kansas City

Kansas City
65

Fort Collins is 111% more expensive than Kansas City.

$1,661/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$1,073/mo ↓ 35%
$83,598/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$59,183/yr ↓ 29%
$548,400 ↑ 273%
Home Value
$147,100 ↓ 73%
$1,692/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$1,054/mo ↓ 38%
169,705
Population
154,776

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.7%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Kansas City, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $588/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $7,056/year.

Median household income is $24,415/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $147,100 in Kansas City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Kansas City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Kansas City?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Kansas City it's $1,073/month — a difference of $588/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Kansas City?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $59,183 in Kansas City. Median household income is $24,415/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Kansas?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with rent of $1,073/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Kansas City details →

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