Cost of Living: Fort Collins, CO vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Fort Collins and The Woodlands have a similar cost of living.

$1,661/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 8%
$83,598/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 69%
$548,400 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$479,400 ↓ 13%
$1,692/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 18%
169,705
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $131/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $1,572/year.

Median household income is $57,755/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

Texas has no state income tax, giving The Woodlands residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Fort Collins or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Collins is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $131/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $57,755/year higher in The Woodlands.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Texas?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and The Woodlands

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