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

Fort Collins

Colorado

137

Palmdale

California

130

Fort Collins is 7% more expensive than Palmdale.

$1,661/mo ↓ 4%

Median Rent

$1,736/mo ↑ 5%

$83,598/yr ↑ 3%

Median Income

$81,151/yr ↓ 3%

$548,400 ↑ 26%

Home Value

$435,300 ↓ 21%

$1,692/mo ↓ 8%

Owner Costs

$1,831/mo ↑ 8%

169,705

Population

165,487

Tax Comparison

4.4%

Income Tax

13.3%

2.9%

Sales Tax

7.25%

0.51%

Property Tax

0.71%

Affordability

23.8%

rent-to-income

Affordability

25.7%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $75/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $900/year.

Median household income is $2,447/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Palmdale — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Palmdale cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Palmdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 137 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Palmdale?

Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $75/month.

Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Palmdale?

Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $2,447/year higher in Fort Collins.

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 Palmdale?

It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.