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

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Tucson is 45% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,079/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 54%
$54,546/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 53%
$242,200 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 126%
$1,076/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 57%
543,348
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

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $582/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $6,984/year.

Median household income is $29,052/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Tucson or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $582/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $29,052/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 Tucson or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/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 Tucson details → View Fort Collins details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tucson and Fort Collins

Tucson vs. Fresno Tucson vs. Sacramento Tucson vs. Albuquerque Tucson vs. Kansas City Tucson vs. Milwaukee Tucson vs. Mesa 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