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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Oakland is 42% more expensive than Fort Collins.

$1,917/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↓ 13%
$97,369/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↓ 14%
$924,700 ↑ 69%
Home Value
$548,400 ↓ 41%
$2,164/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↓ 22%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $256/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $3,072/year.

Median household income is $13,771/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Oakland 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 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $256/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $13,771/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Fort Collins details →

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