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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

San Francisco is 95% more expensive than Fort Collins.

$2,419/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↓ 31%
$141,446/yr ↑ 69%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↓ 41%
$1,380,500 ↑ 152%
Home Value
$548,400 ↓ 60%
$2,620/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↓ 35%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $758/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $9,096/year.

Median household income is $57,848/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 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 Francisco vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is San Francisco 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 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Fort Collins?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $758/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $57,848/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Fort Collins details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Francisco and Fort Collins

San Francisco vs. Indianapolis San Francisco vs. Seattle San Francisco vs. Charlotte San Francisco vs. Denver San Francisco vs. Columbus San Francisco vs. Oklahoma City Fort Collins vs. Lancaster Fort Collins vs. Springfield Fort Collins vs. Pembroke Pines Fort Collins vs. Palmdale Fort Collins vs. Garden Grove Fort Collins vs. Salinas