Cost of Living: Fort Collins, CO vs Kent, WA (2026)

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Fort Collins is 6% cheaper than Kent.

$1,661/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 10%
$83,598/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 8%
$548,400 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$537,500 ↓ 2%
$1,692/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 13%
169,705
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $172/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $2,064/year.

Median household income is $6,818/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Kent — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Collins is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Kent?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $172/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Kent?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $6,818/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Washington?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Kent details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Kent

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 Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights