Cost of Living: Fort Collins, CO vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Fort Collins is 88% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,661/mo ↑ 65%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 39%
$83,598/yr ↑ 72%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 42%
$548,400 ↑ 132%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 57%
$1,692/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 39%
169,705
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $656/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $7,872/year.

Median household income is $35,062/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $656/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $35,062/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Alabama?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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