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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Fort Collins and Santa Maria have a similar cost of living.

$1,661/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 11%
$83,598/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 1%
$548,400 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$478,200 ↓ 13%
$1,692/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 6%
169,705
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $181/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $2,172/year.

Median household income is $1,019/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Maria is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $181/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $1,019/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Santa Maria

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 Maria vs. Ventura Santa Maria vs. Sugar Land Santa Maria vs. Temecula Santa Maria vs. Greeley Santa Maria vs. Costa Mesa Santa Maria vs. South Fulton