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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Fort Collins is 7% more expensive than Richardson.

$1,661/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 10%
$83,598/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 15%
$548,400 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$405,600 ↓ 26%
$1,692/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 6%
169,705
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $164/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $1,968/year.

Median household income is $12,659/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Richardson — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richardson is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Richardson?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $164/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Richardson?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $12,659/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Richardson

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 Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater