Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Philadelphia is 38% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,323/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 26%
$60,698/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 38%
$232,400 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 136%
$1,233/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 37%
1,582,432
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $338/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $4,056/year.

Median household income is $22,900/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $338/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $22,900/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Colorado?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Fort Collins details →

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