Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Mesa is 22% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,478/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 12%
$78,779/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 6%
$364,300 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 51%
$1,404/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 21%
507,478
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $183/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $2,196/year.

Median household income is $4,819/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Mesa or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $183/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $4,819/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Colorado?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Fort Collins details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Fort Collins

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs 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