Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Salt Lake City is 15% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,343/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 24%
$74,925/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 12%
$495,700 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 11%
$1,394/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 21%
203,888
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $318/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $3,816/year.

Median household income is $8,673/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $318/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $8,673/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Colorado?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Fort Collins details →

More Comparisons

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