Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Indianapolis is 46% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,112/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 49%
$62,995/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 33%
$207,000 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 165%
$1,124/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 51%
882,043
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $549/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $6,588/year.

Median household income is $20,603/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Indianapolis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $549/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $20,603/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Colorado?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/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 Indianapolis details → View Fort Collins details →

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