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

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Pittsburgh is 45% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,221/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 36%
$64,137/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 30%
$193,200 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 184%
$1,136/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 49%
303,620
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

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $440/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $5,280/year.

Median household income is $19,461/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $440/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $19,461/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 Pittsburgh or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/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 Pittsburgh details → View Fort Collins details →

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