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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Fresno is 26% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,324/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 25%
$66,804/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 25%
$348,500 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 57%
$1,391/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 22%
543,615
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $337/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $4,044/year.

Median household income is $16,794/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Fresno or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $337/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $16,794/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,661/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Fort Collins details →

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