Cost of Living: Fort Collins, CO vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Fort Collins is 67% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,661/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 22%
$83,598/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 27%
$548,400 ↑ 139%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 58%
$1,692/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 32%
169,705
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $362/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $4,344/year.

Median household income is $22,651/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Lakeland?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $362/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Lakeland?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $22,651/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Florida?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Lakeland

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 Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon