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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

San Jose is 85% more expensive than Fort Collins.

$2,617/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↓ 37%
$141,565/yr ↑ 69%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↓ 41%
$1,187,800 ↑ 117%
Home Value
$548,400 ↓ 54%
$2,775/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↓ 39%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $956/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $11,472/year.

Median household income is $57,967/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 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 Jose vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is San Jose 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 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Fort Collins?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $956/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $57,967/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Fort Collins details →

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