Cost of Living: Fort Collins, CO vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Fort Collins is 7% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,661/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 11%
$83,598/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 81%
$548,400 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$509,900 ↓ 7%
$1,692/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 28%
169,705
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.95%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $191/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $2,292/year.

Median household income is $67,339/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Naperville — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Collins is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Naperville?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $191/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Naperville?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $67,339/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Illinois?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Naperville has a cost index of 147 with rent of $1,852/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Naperville

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 Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona