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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Long Beach is 23% more expensive than Fort Collins.

$1,803/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↓ 8%
$83,969/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$83,598/yr ≈ Same
$762,200 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$548,400 ↓ 28%
$1,890/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↓ 10%
458,491
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

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $142/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $1,704/year.

Median household income is $371/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Long Beach 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 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $142/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $371/year higher in Long Beach.
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 Long Beach or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Fort Collins details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Long Beach and Fort Collins

Long Beach vs. Raleigh Long Beach vs. Virginia Beach Long Beach vs. Colorado Springs Long Beach vs. Miami Long Beach vs. Omaha Long Beach vs. Oakland Fort Collins vs. Lancaster Fort Collins vs. Springfield Fort Collins vs. Pembroke Pines Fort Collins vs. Palmdale Fort Collins vs. Garden Grove Fort Collins vs. Salinas