Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Memphis is 50% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,123/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 48%
$51,211/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 63%
$157,100 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 249%
$1,087/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 56%
629,063
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $538/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $6,456/year.

Median household income is $32,387/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Memphis residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Memphis or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $538/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $32,387/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Colorado?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/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 Memphis details → View Fort Collins details →

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