Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Reno is 11% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,453/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 14%
$78,448/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 7%
$498,600 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 10%
$1,482/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 14%
268,959
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $208/month cheaper in Reno, saving renters about $2,496/year.

Median household income is $5,150/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Reno or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Reno is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $208/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $5,150/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and Colorado?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Fort Collins details →

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