Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Raleigh is 20% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,468/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 13%
$82,424/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 1%
$377,800 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 45%
$1,487/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 14%
470,763
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $193/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $2,316/year.

Median household income is $1,174/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Raleigh or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $193/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $1,174/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Colorado?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Fort Collins details →

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