Cost of Living: Fort Collins, CO vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Fort Collins is 15% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,661/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 3%
$83,598/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 9%
$548,400 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 28%
$1,692/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 1%
169,705
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
9.0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $58/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $696/year.

Median household income is $7,393/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Lowell — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Lowell?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $58/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Lowell?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $7,393/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Massachusetts?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Lowell details →

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