Cost of Living: Fort Collins, CO vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Fort Collins is 80% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,661/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 29%
$83,598/yr ↑ 62%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 38%
$548,400 ↑ 196%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 66%
$1,692/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 25%
169,705
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
6.99%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.51%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $481/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $5,772/year.

Median household income is $31,956/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Waterbury?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $481/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Waterbury?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $31,956/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Connecticut?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Waterbury details →

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