Is Atlanta, GA cheaper than Fort Collins, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Atlanta, GA is 3.5% more expensive than Fort Collins, CO. This translates to spending an extra $262 per month.

What salary do I need in Atlanta, GA to live like I do in Fort Collins, CO?

If you earn $150,000 in Fort Collins, CO, you'd need approximately $153,140.467 in Atlanta, GA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Fort Collins, CO and Atlanta, GA?

Housing in Atlanta, GA is 3.6% cheaper than in Fort Collins, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,140/month in Atlanta, GA compared to $1,302/month in Fort Collins, CO.

How much can I save per month by moving from Fort Collins, CO to Atlanta, GA?

Living in Atlanta, GA costs approximately $262 more per month than Fort Collins, CO, or $3140 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fort Collins, CO vs Atlanta, GA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Fort Collins, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $262/month more in Atlanta, GA

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.1K in Atlanta, GA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 3.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$262

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$3.1K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Fort Collins, CO

Population:170K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$542K

Atlanta, GA

Population:499K

Cost Index:

103

(3% above avg)

Median Home:$441K

Fort Collins, CO

The Centennial State

170K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Colorado, this city has a population of 170K residents.

Atlanta, GA

The Peach State

499K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major transportation hub
•Capital of the South
•Delta Air Lines headquarters

Major Industries

TransportationTechnologyFilm ProductionFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Fort Collins, CO vs Atlanta, GA

Category	Fort Collins, CO	Atlanta, GA	Difference	Change
Other	$1,652/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $273more	16.5%
Housing	$2,722/mo	$2,625/mo	↓ $97.55less	3.6%
Transportation	$1,361/mo	$1,448/mo	↑ $86.98more	6.4%
All Utilities	$501/mo	$585/mo	↑ $83.76more	16.7%
Groceries	$993/mo	$959/mo	↓ $33.88less	3.4%
Healthcare	$610/mo	$589/mo	↓ $21.23less	3.5%

Other

↑ 16.5%

Fort Collins, CO

$1,652

Atlanta, GA

$1,925

Difference

$273

Housing

↓ 3.6%

Fort Collins, CO

$2,722

Atlanta, GA

$2,625

Difference

$97.55

less

Transportation

↑ 6.4%

Fort Collins, CO

$1,361

Atlanta, GA

$1,448

Difference

$86.98

All Utilities

↑ 16.7%

Fort Collins, CO

$501

Atlanta, GA

$585

Difference

$83.76

Groceries

↓ 3.4%

Fort Collins, CO

$993

Atlanta, GA

$959

Difference

$33.88

less

Healthcare

↓ 3.5%

Fort Collins, CO

$610

Atlanta, GA

$589

Difference

$21.23

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,136

To$1,865

↑ $729

1 Bed

From$1,152

To$1,950

↑ $798

2 Bed

From$1,302

To$2,140

↑ $838

3 Bed

From$1,797

To$2,565

↑ $768

Fort Collins, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,690/mo

Atlanta, GAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,110–$2,490/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,839

Monthly in Fort Collins, CO

$8,130

Monthly in Atlanta, GA

$291

Difference

Home Values

Fort Collins

Atlanta

$542K

Median Value

$441K

↓ -1.3%

YoY Change

↓ -2.6%

↑ +23.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +17.9%

$509K - $574K

Price Range

$202K - $1.46M

Homes in Atlanta are 19% less expensive than Fort Collins

Calculate payment - Fort Collins Calculate payment - Atlanta

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $1.9K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$154

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.2%

Rate difference

Fort Collins, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Atlanta, GA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Georgia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,711/month

$104.5K

Additional Tax Information

Fort Collins, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

Atlanta, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.