Cost of Living: Fort Collins, CO vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Fort Collins is 37% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,661/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 21%
$83,598/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 24%
$548,400 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 36%
$1,692/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 19%
169,705
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.5%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $350/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $4,200/year.

Median household income is $19,698/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Wilmington?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $350/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Wilmington?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $19,698/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and North Carolina?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Collins details → View Wilmington details →

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