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

Lancaster

California

124

Fort Collins

Colorado

137

Lancaster is 13% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,696/mo ↑ 2%

Median Rent

$1,661/mo ↓ 2%

$76,083/yr ↓ 9%

Median Income

$83,598/yr ↑ 10%

$409,100 ↓ 25%

Home Value

$548,400 ↑ 34%

$1,746/mo ↑ 3%

Owner Costs

$1,692/mo ↓ 3%

170,013

Population

169,705

Tax Comparison

13.3%

Income Tax

4.4%

7.25%

Sales Tax

2.9%

0.71%

Property Tax

0.51%

Affordability

26.7%

rent-to-income

Affordability

23.8%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,515/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Lancaster or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 137 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Fort Collins?

Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $35/month.

Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Fort Collins?

Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $7,515/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 Lancaster or Fort Collins?

It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/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.