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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Modesto is 12% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,609/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 3%
$77,899/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 7%
$415,600 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 32%
$1,613/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 5%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $52/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $624/year.

Median household income is $5,699/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Modesto or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $52/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $5,699/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 Modesto or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Fort Collins details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Fort Collins

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley 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