Cost of Living: Plano, TX vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Plano is 4% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,792/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↓ 7%
$108,649/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↓ 23%
$440,600 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 24%
$1,829/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↓ 7%
287,339
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $131/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $1,572/year.

Median household income is $25,051/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Plano residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Plano or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Plano is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $131/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $25,051/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Colorado?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Plano or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Fort Collins details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Plano and Fort Collins

Plano vs. Durham Plano vs. Chandler Plano vs. Anchorage Plano vs. Buffalo Plano vs. Jersey City Plano vs. Madison 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