Cost of Living: Fort Collins, CO vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Fort Collins is 47% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,661/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 21%
$83,598/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 5%
$548,400 ↑ 91%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 48%
$1,692/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 21%
169,705
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
9.85%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $345/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $4,140/year.

Median household income is $4,169/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Rochester — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Rochester?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $345/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Rochester?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $4,169/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Minnesota?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Rochester details →

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