Cost of Living: Fort Collins, CO vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Fort Collins is 108% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,661/mo ↑ 63%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 39%
$83,598/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 28%
$548,400 ↑ 216%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 68%
$1,692/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 41%
169,705
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $644/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $7,728/year.

Median household income is $23,433/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs McAllen — common questions

Is Fort Collins or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and McAllen?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $644/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or McAllen?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $23,433/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Texas?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View McAllen details →

More Comparisons

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