Cost of Living: Fort Collins, CO vs Murrieta, CA (2026)

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Fort Collins is 22% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,661/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 40%
$83,598/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 31%
$548,400 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 11%
$1,692/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 41%
169,705
Population
111,621

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $669/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $8,028/year.

Median household income is $26,182/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Collins is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Murrieta?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $669/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Murrieta?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $26,182/year higher in Murrieta.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and California?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Murrieta details →

More Comparisons

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