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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Fort Collins is 19% more expensive than Miami Gardens.

$1,661/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 3%
$83,598/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↓ 27%
$548,400 ↑ 63%
Home Value
$337,200 ↓ 39%
$1,692/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↓ 3%
169,705
Population
111,264

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
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $22,619/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $337,200 in Miami Gardens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Miami Gardens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Miami Gardens is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $48/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $22,619/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 Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Miami Gardens has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Miami Gardens details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Miami Gardens

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 Miami Gardens vs. Pueblo Miami Gardens vs. Everett Miami Gardens vs. Murrieta Miami Gardens vs. Costa Mesa Miami Gardens vs. Downey Miami Gardens vs. Temecula