Cost of Living: Rochester, NY vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Rochester is 55% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,039/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 60%
$46,628/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 79%
$120,600 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 355%
$1,009/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 68%
209,720
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $622/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $7,464/year.

Median household income is $36,970/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Rochester or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $622/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $36,970/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between New York and Colorado?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/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 Rochester details → View Fort Collins details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rochester and Fort Collins

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