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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Los Angeles is 36% more expensive than Fort Collins.

$1,879/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↓ 12%
$80,366/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 4%
$879,500 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$548,400 ↓ 38%
$2,055/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↓ 18%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $218/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $2,616/year.

Median household income is $3,232/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Los Angeles 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 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $218/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $3,232/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 Los Angeles or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Fort Collins details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Los Angeles and Fort Collins

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