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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Richmond

California
161

Fort Collins is 15% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,661/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 14%
$83,598/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 8%
$548,400 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 19%
$1,692/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 19%
169,705
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $234/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $2,808/year.

Median household income is $6,440/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Richmond — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Collins is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Richmond?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $234/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Richmond?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $6,440/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Richmond

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 Richmond vs. Manchester Richmond vs. High Point Richmond vs. Westminster Richmond vs. League City Richmond vs. Antioch Richmond vs. Lowell