Cost of Living in Fort Collins, CO
Population 169,705 · Colorado · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Fort Collins lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $548,000 — 80% above the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Colorado.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fort Collins
The median home value in Fort Collins is $548,400 — 80% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,661/month, 26% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $83,598/year is 12% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.2%, above the national average of 4.8%. Colorado's top state income tax rate is 4.4% and the combined sales tax is 7.8%. Overall, Fort Collins has a cost of living index of 158 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 58% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fort Collins, CO?
Fort Collins has a cost index of 158 (100 = national average). It is 58% above the national average.
What is average rent in Fort Collins, CO?
The median gross rent in Fort Collins is $1,661 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fort Collins?
The median home value in Fort Collins is $548,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Fort Collins?
The median household income in Fort Collins is $83,598 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fort Collins, CO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fort Collins is 7.8%. The Colorado state income tax top rate is 4.4%.
Is Fort Collins, CO affordable?
Fort Collins is above average in cost of living, with an index of 158 — about 58% higher than the national average.
Fort Collins at a Glance
- Population
- 169,705
- Median Income
- $83,598
- Home Value
- $548,400
- Median Rent
- $1,661/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.2%
- Sales Tax
- 7.8%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Colorado Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
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