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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Orange

California
206

Fort Collins is 33% cheaper than Orange.

$1,661/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 36%
$83,598/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 40%
$548,400 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 64%
$1,692/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 41%
169,705
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $591/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $7,092/year.

Median household income is $33,347/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Orange — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Collins is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Orange?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $591/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Orange?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $33,347/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Orange

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 Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City