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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

San Diego is 44% more expensive than Fort Collins.

$2,223/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↓ 25%
$104,321/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↓ 20%
$848,500 ↑ 55%
Home Value
$548,400 ↓ 35%
$2,308/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↓ 27%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $562/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $6,744/year.

Median household income is $20,723/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is San Diego 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 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Fort Collins?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $562/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $20,723/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Fort Collins details →

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