Cost of Living: Fort Collins, CO vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Fort Collins is 125% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,661/mo ↑ 76%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 43%
$83,598/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 22%
$548,400 ↑ 253%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 72%
$1,692/mo ↑ 74%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 42%
169,705
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.95%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $716/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $8,592/year.

Median household income is $18,061/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Springfield — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Springfield?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $716/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Springfield?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $18,061/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Illinois?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Springfield details →

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