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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Ventura

California
183

Fort Collins is 25% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,661/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 26%
$83,598/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 20%
$548,400 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 42%
$1,692/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 25%
169,705
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $440/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $5,280/year.

Median household income is $16,809/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Ventura — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Collins is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Ventura?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $440/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Ventura?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $16,809/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Ventura details →

More Comparisons

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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 Ventura vs. Temecula Ventura vs. Santa Maria Ventura vs. Costa Mesa Ventura vs. Sugar Land Ventura vs. Everett Ventura vs. Greeley