Cost of Living: Riverside, CA vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Riverside

California
144
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Riverside is 5% more expensive than Fort Collins.

$1,812/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↓ 8%
$88,575/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↓ 6%
$542,100 ↓ 1%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 1%
$1,880/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↓ 10%
316,241
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $151/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $1,812/year.

Median household income is $4,977/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Riverside 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 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $151/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $4,977/year higher in Riverside.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Riverside or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Fort Collins details →

More Comparisons

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