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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Fort Collins is 38% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,661/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 34%
$83,598/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 24%
$548,400 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 91%
$1,692/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 38%
169,705
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $557/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $6,684/year.

Median household income is $20,180/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Collins is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Pasadena?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $557/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Pasadena?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $20,180/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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