Is Austin, TX cheaper than Fort Collins, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 0.6% more expensive than Fort Collins, CO. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Fort Collins, CO?

If you earn $150,000 in Fort Collins, CO, you'd need approximately $150,504.416 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Fort Collins, CO and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 6.0% more expensive than in Fort Collins, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,302/month in Fort Collins, CO.

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

Fort Collins, CO and Austin, TX have very similar costs of living, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fort Collins, CO vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Fort Collins, CO — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Denver, CO area

Current salary in Fort Collins, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $42.03/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.5K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↑ 0.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$42.03

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$504

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

Median Home:$542K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:101

Median Home:$558K

Fort Collins, CO

The Centennial State

170K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Fort Collins, CO vs Austin, TX

Category	Fort Collins, CO	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,722/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $162more	6.0%
📦Other	$1,652/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $88.70more	5.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,361/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $76.94less	5.7%
⚡All Utilities	$501/mo	$541/mo	↑ $40.05more	8.0%
🛒Groceries	$993/mo	$959/mo	↓ $33.88less	3.4%
🏥Healthcare	$610/mo	$589/mo	↓ $21.23less	3.5%

🏠Housing

↑ 6.0%

Fort Collins, CO

$2,722

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$162

📦Other

↑ 5.4%

Fort Collins, CO

$1,652

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$88.70

🚗Transportation

↓ 5.7%

Fort Collins, CO

$1,361

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$76.94

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 8.0%

Fort Collins, CO

$501

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$40.05

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.4%

Fort Collins, CO

$993

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$33.88

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 3.5%

Fort Collins, CO

$610

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$21.23

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,136

To$1,585

↑ $449

1 Bed

From$1,152

To$1,685

↑ $533

2 Bed

From$1,302

To$1,995

↑ $693

3 Bed

From$1,797

To$2,525

↑ $728

Fort Collins, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,690/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/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

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$159

Difference

Home Values

Fort Collins

Austin

$542K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -1.3%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +23.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$509K - $574K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 3% more expensive than Fort Collins

Calculate payment - Fort Collins Calculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $6.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$550

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.4%

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

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Fort Collins, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 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.