Cost of Living: Fort Collins, CO vs Lansing, MI (2026)

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Fort Collins is 136% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,661/mo ↑ 70%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 41%
$83,598/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 38%
$548,400 ↑ 359%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 78%
$1,692/mo ↑ 73%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 42%
169,705
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.25%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $685/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $8,220/year.

Median household income is $31,428/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Lansing slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Lansing — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Lansing?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $685/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Lansing?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $31,428/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Michigan?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Lansing details →

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