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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Tacoma is 8% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,597/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 4%
$83,857/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$83,598/yr ≈ Same
$454,600 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 21%
$1,747/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↓ 3%
220,482
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $64/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $768/year.

Median household income is $259/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Tacoma or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $64/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $259/year higher in Tacoma.
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 Tacoma or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Fort Collins details →

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