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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Torrance

California
218

Fort Collins is 37% cheaper than Torrance.

$1,661/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↑ 33%
$83,598/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↑ 35%
$548,400 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 89%
$1,692/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↑ 36%
169,705
Population
143,499

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $553/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $6,636/year.

Median household income is $29,507/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Torrance — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Collins is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Torrance?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $553/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Torrance?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $29,507/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Torrance details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Torrance

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 Torrance vs. Gainesville Torrance vs. Thornton Torrance vs. Olathe Torrance vs. Visalia Torrance vs. McAllen Torrance vs. Waco