Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Scottsdale is 20% more expensive than Fort Collins.

$1,910/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↓ 13%
$107,372/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↓ 22%
$709,900 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$548,400 ↓ 23%
$1,824/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↓ 7%
242,169
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $249/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $2,988/year.

Median household income is $23,774/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Scottsdale 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 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $249/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $23,774/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Colorado?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Fort Collins details →

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