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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Temecula

California
179

Fort Collins is 23% cheaper than Temecula.

$1,661/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$2,297/mo ↑ 38%
$83,598/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$117,840/yr ↑ 41%
$548,400 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$640,400 ↑ 17%
$1,692/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,435/mo ↑ 44%
169,705
Population
110,404

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
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Temecula, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 179 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $636/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $7,632/year.

Median household income is $34,242/year higher in Temecula. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $640,400 in Temecula.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Temecula — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Temecula cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Collins is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 179 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Temecula?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Temecula it's $2,297/month — a difference of $636/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Temecula?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $117,840 in Temecula. Median household income is $34,242/year higher in Temecula.
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 Temecula?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Temecula has a cost index of 179 with rent of $2,297/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Temecula details →

More Comparisons

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