Is Boston, MA cheaper than Fort Collins, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 45.5% more expensive than Fort Collins, CO. This translates to spending an extra $3410 per month.

What salary do I need in Boston, MA to live like I do in Fort Collins, CO?

If you earn $150,000 in Fort Collins, CO, you'd need approximately $190,923.864 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Fort Collins, CO and Boston, MA?

Housing in Boston, MA is 93.8% more expensive than in Fort Collins, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $1,302/month in Fort Collins, CO.

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

Living in Boston, MA costs approximately $3410 more per month than Fort Collins, CO, or $40924 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fort Collins, CO vs Boston, MA: 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 $3.4K/month more in Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $190.9K in Boston, MA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 45.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,410

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$40.9K

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

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:

145

(45% above avg)

Median Home:$961K

Fort Collins, CO

The Centennial State

170K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Fort Collins, CO vs Boston, MA

Category	Fort Collins, CO	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,722/mo	$5,275/mo	↑ $2,553more	93.8%
Transportation	$1,361/mo	$1,830/mo	↑ $469more	34.5%
All Utilities	$501/mo	$716/mo	↑ $215more	42.9%
Other	$1,652/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $172more	10.4%
Healthcare	$610/mo	$743/mo	↑ $134more	21.9%
Groceries	$993/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $86.03more	8.7%

Housing

↑ 93.8%

Fort Collins, CO

$2,722

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$2,553

Transportation

↑ 34.5%

Fort Collins, CO

$1,361

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$469

All Utilities

↑ 42.9%

Fort Collins, CO

$501

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$215

Other

↑ 10.4%

Fort Collins, CO

$1,652

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$172

Healthcare

↑ 21.9%

Fort Collins, CO

$610

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$134

Groceries

↑ 8.7%

Fort Collins, CO

$993

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$86.03

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,136

To$3,095

↑ $1,959

1 Bed

From$1,152

To$3,255

↑ $2,103

2 Bed

From$1,302

To$3,865

↑ $2,563

3 Bed

From$1,797

To$4,630

↑ $2,833

Fort Collins, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,690/mo

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/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

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$3,630

Difference

Home Values

Fort Collins

Boston

$542K

Median Value

$961K

↓ -1.3%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +23.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$509K - $574K

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 77% more expensive than Fort Collins

Calculate payment - Fort Collins Calculate payment - Boston

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $900

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$75.00

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.6%

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

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Additional Tax Information

Fort Collins, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

💡 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.