Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Jersey City is 8% more expensive than Fort Collins.

$1,902/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↓ 13%
$94,813/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↓ 12%
$534,500 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 3%
$2,006/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↓ 16%
289,691
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $241/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $2,892/year.

Median household income is $11,215/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Jersey City 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 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $241/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $11,215/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Colorado?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/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 Jersey City details → View Fort Collins details →

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