Cost of Living: St. Louis, MO vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

St. Louis is 52% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$978/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 70%
$55,279/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 51%
$185,100 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 196%
$1,013/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 67%
293,109
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $683/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $8,196/year.

Median household income is $28,319/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is St. Louis or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Fort Collins?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $683/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $28,319/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Colorado?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to St. Louis or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/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.
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More Comparisons

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