Cost of Living: Fort Collins, CO vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Fort Collins is 29% more expensive than Paterson.

$1,661/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↓ 12%
$83,598/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 36%
$548,400 ↑ 64%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 39%
$1,692/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↓ 8%
169,705
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
10.75%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.51%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $204/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $2,448/year.

Median household income is $29,832/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Paterson — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Paterson?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $204/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Paterson?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $29,832/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and New Jersey?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Paterson has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,457/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

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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 Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon