Cost of Living: Fort Collins, CO vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Fort Collins is 9% more expensive than Sparks.

$1,661/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ≈ Same
$83,598/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 4%
$548,400 ↑ 20%
Home Value
$455,900 ↓ 17%
$1,692/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↓ 5%
169,705
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,381/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Sparks residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Sparks — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sparks is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Sparks?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $10/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Sparks?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $3,381/year higher in Sparks.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Nevada?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Sparks has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,651/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Sparks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Sparks

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 Sparks vs. South Fulton Sparks vs. Dearborn Sparks vs. Greeley Sparks vs. Riverview Sparks vs. Sugar Land Sparks vs. Tyler