Cost of Living: Fort Collins, CO vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Fort Collins is 9% more expensive than Surprise.

$1,661/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 15%
$83,598/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 12%
$548,400 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 28%
$1,692/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 6%
169,705
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
2.5%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $256/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $3,072/year.

Median household income is $9,773/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Surprise — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise 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 Surprise?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $256/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Surprise?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $9,773/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Arizona?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Surprise

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 Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite