Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Tampa is 18% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,567/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 6%
$71,302/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 17%
$375,300 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 46%
$1,553/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 9%
393,389
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $94/month cheaper in Tampa, saving renters about $1,128/year.

Median household income is $12,296/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Tampa or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tampa is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $94/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $12,296/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Colorado?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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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