Is Denver, CO cheaper than Fort Collins, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 7.4% more expensive than Fort Collins, CO. This translates to spending an extra $555 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Fort Collins, CO, you'd need approximately $156,655.202 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 19.3% more expensive than in Fort Collins, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,302/month in Fort Collins, CO.

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

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $555 more per month than Fort Collins, CO, or $6655 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fort Collins, CO vs Denver, CO: 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 $555/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $156.7K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↑ 7.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$555

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$6.7K

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

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:107

Median Home:$513K

Fort Collins, CO

The Centennial State

170K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Fort Collins, CO vs Denver, CO

Category	Fort Collins, CO	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,722/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $526more	19.3%
📦Other	$1,652/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $122more	7.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,361/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $101more	7.4%
🛒Groceries	$993/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $36.07more	3.6%
🏥Healthcare	$610/mo	$632/mo	↑ $22.15more	3.6%
⚡All Utilities	$501/mo	$519/mo	↑ $18.19more	3.6%

🏠Housing

↑ 19.3%

Fort Collins, CO

$2,722

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$526

📦Other

↑ 7.4%

Fort Collins, CO

$1,652

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$122

🚗Transportation

↑ 7.4%

Fort Collins, CO

$1,361

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$101

🛒Groceries

↑ 3.6%

Fort Collins, CO

$993

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$36.07

🏥Healthcare

↑ 3.6%

Fort Collins, CO

$610

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$22.15

⚡All Utilities

↑ 3.6%

Fort Collins, CO

$501

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$18.19

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

Fort Collins, CO has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,136

To$1,720

↑ $584

1 Bed

From$1,152

To$1,840

↑ $688

2 Bed

From$1,302

To$2,190

↑ $888

3 Bed

From$1,797

To$2,870

↑ $1,073

Fort Collins, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,690/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$825

Difference

Home Values

Fort Collins

Denver

$542K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -1.3%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +23.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$509K - $574K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 5% less expensive than Fort Collins

Calculate payment - Fort Collins Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

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

Denver, 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

Additional Tax Information

Fort Collins, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 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.