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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Sacramento is 4% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,694/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↓ 2%
$83,753/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$83,598/yr ≈ Same
$484,600 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 13%
$1,752/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↓ 3%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $155/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Sacramento or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $33/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $155/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Fort Collins details →

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