Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Washington is 25% more expensive than Fort Collins.

$1,900/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↓ 13%
$106,287/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↓ 21%
$724,600 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$548,400 ↓ 24%
$2,103/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↓ 20%
672,079
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $239/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $2,868/year.

Median household income is $22,689/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Washington or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Collins is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $239/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $22,689/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Colorado?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Fort Collins details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Washington and Fort Collins

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