Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Seattle is 43% more expensive than Fort Collins.

$1,998/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↓ 17%
$121,984/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↓ 31%
$912,100 ↑ 66%
Home Value
$548,400 ↓ 40%
$2,220/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↓ 24%
741,440
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $337/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $4,044/year.

Median household income is $38,386/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Seattle 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 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $337/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $38,386/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Colorado?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Fort Collins details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Fort Collins

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville 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