Cost of Living: Richmond, VA vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Richmond is 28% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,314/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 26%
$62,671/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 33%
$328,100 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 67%
$1,374/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 23%
227,595
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $347/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $4,164/year.

Median household income is $20,927/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Richmond or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $347/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $20,927/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Colorado?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% 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 Richmond or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Fort Collins details →

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