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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Irvine is 87% more expensive than Fort Collins.

$2,893/mo ↑ 74%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↓ 43%
$129,647/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↓ 36%
$1,115,400 ↑ 103%
Home Value
$548,400 ↓ 51%
$2,904/mo ↑ 72%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↓ 42%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,232/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $14,784/year.

Median household income is $46,049/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Irvine or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Collins is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $1,232/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $46,049/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Fort Collins details →

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