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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Fort Collins is 60% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,661/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 85%
$83,598/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 118%
$548,400 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 231%
$1,692/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 78%
169,705
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,404/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $16,848/year.

Median household income is $98,264/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Collins is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $1,404/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $98,264/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Sunnyvale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Sunnyvale

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 Sunnyvale vs. Springfield Sunnyvale vs. Hollywood Sunnyvale vs. Kansas City Sunnyvale vs. Roseville Sunnyvale vs. Killeen Sunnyvale vs. Charleston