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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Fort Collins is 80% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,661/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 28%
$83,598/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 23%
$548,400 ↑ 183%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 65%
$1,692/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 33%
169,705
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $460/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $5,520/year.

Median household income is $19,328/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Pasadena residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 137 (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 $1,201/month — a difference of $460/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Pasadena?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $19,328/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Texas?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% 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 76 with rent of $1,201/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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