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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Fort Collins is 55% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,661/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 80%
$83,598/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 108%
$548,400 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 179%
$1,692/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 80%
169,705
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,324/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $15,888/year.

Median household income is $90,072/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Collins is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,324/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $90,072/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Santa Clara

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 Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville