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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Tempe is 12% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,623/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 2%
$77,643/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 8%
$421,900 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 30%
$1,554/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 9%
186,419
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

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,955/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Tempe or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $38/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $5,955/year higher in Fort Collins.
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 Tempe or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Fort Collins details →

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