Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Portland and Fort Collins have a similar cost of living.

$1,596/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 4%
$88,792/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↓ 6%
$557,600 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$548,400 ↓ 2%
$1,771/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↓ 4%
642,715
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
4.4%
0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $65/month cheaper in Portland, saving renters about $780/year.

Median household income is $5,194/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Portland 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 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $65/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $5,194/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Colorado?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Fort Collins details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Portland and Fort Collins

Portland vs. Las Vegas Portland vs. Detroit Portland vs. Boston Portland vs. Memphis Portland vs. Washington Portland vs. Louisville 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