Cost of Living: Fort Collins, CO vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Fort Collins is 15% more expensive than West Palm Beach.

$1,661/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 3%
$83,598/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↓ 17%
$548,400 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$369,800 ↓ 33%
$1,692/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↓ 1%
169,705
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,337/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Fort Collins or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, West Palm Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $48/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $14,337/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Florida?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and West Palm Beach

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 West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings