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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Salinas

California
156

Fort Collins is 12% cheaper than Salinas.

$1,661/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,923/mo ↑ 16%
$83,598/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$89,150/yr ↑ 7%
$548,400 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$610,900 ↑ 11%
$1,692/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,912/mo ↑ 13%
169,705
Population
161,993

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
25.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Salinas, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 156 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $262/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $3,144/year.

Median household income is $5,552/year higher in Salinas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $610,900 in Salinas.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Salinas — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Salinas cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Collins is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 156 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Salinas?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Salinas it's $1,923/month — a difference of $262/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Salinas?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $89,150 in Salinas. Median household income is $5,552/year higher in Salinas.
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 Salinas?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Salinas has a cost index of 156 with rent of $1,923/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Salinas details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Salinas

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. Clarksville Salinas vs. Palmdale Salinas vs. Hayward Salinas vs. Springfield Salinas vs. Corona Salinas vs. Paterson Salinas vs. Lancaster