Cost of Living: Fort Collins, CO vs Palm Bay, FL (2026)

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Fort Collins is 51% more expensive than Palm Bay.

$1,661/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↓ 10%
$83,598/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↓ 19%
$548,400 ↑ 121%
Home Value
$248,000 ↓ 55%
$1,692/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↓ 29%
169,705
Population
125,273

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
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $174/month cheaper in Palm Bay, saving renters about $2,088/year.

Median household income is $16,077/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Palm Bay cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Palm Bay is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Palm Bay?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $174/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $16,077/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 Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,487/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Palm Bay details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Palm Bay

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 Palm Bay vs. Allentown Palm Bay vs. Meridian Palm Bay vs. Thousand Oaks Palm Bay vs. Vallejo Palm Bay vs. Simi Valley Palm Bay vs. Round Rock