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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Visalia

California
104

Fort Collins is 32% more expensive than Visalia.

$1,661/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,397/mo ↓ 16%
$83,598/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$79,952/yr ↓ 4%
$548,400 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$340,600 ↓ 38%
$1,692/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,509/mo ↓ 11%
169,705
Population
142,649

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
21.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Visalia, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $264/month cheaper in Visalia, saving renters about $3,168/year.

Median household income is $3,646/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $340,600 in Visalia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Visalia — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Visalia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Visalia is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Visalia?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Visalia it's $1,397/month — a difference of $264/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Visalia?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $79,952 in Visalia. Median household income is $3,646/year higher in Fort Collins.
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 Visalia?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Visalia has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,397/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Visalia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Visalia

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 Visalia vs. Thornton Visalia vs. Waco Visalia vs. Torrance Visalia vs. Fullerton Visalia vs. Gainesville Visalia vs. Metairie