Is Palmdale, CA cheaper than Fort Collins, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Palmdale, CA is 44.2% more expensive than Fort Collins, CO. This translates to spending an extra $3317 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Fort Collins, CO, you'd need approximately $189,809.974 in Palmdale, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Palmdale, CA is 118.4% more expensive than in Fort Collins, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,862/month in Palmdale, CA compared to $1,302/month in Fort Collins, CO.

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

Living in Palmdale, CA costs approximately $3317 more per month than Fort Collins, CO, or $39810 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fort Collins, CO vs Palmdale, CA: 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 $3.3K/month more in Palmdale, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $189.8K in Palmdale, CA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 44.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,317

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$39.8K

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

Palmdale, CA

Population:161K

Cost Index:

144

(44% above avg)

Median Home:$489K

Fort Collins, CO

The Centennial State

170K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Palmdale, CA

The Golden State

161K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 161K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Fort Collins, CO vs Palmdale, CA

Category	Fort Collins, CO	Palmdale, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,722/mo	$5,945/mo	↑ $3,223more	118.4%
Transportation	$1,361/mo	$1,840/mo	↑ $479more	35.2%
Other	$1,652/mo	$1,476/mo	↓ $177less	10.7%
Healthcare	$610/mo	$511/mo	↓ $98.41less	16.1%
Groceries	$993/mo	$960/mo	↓ $32.74less	3.3%
All Utilities	$501/mo	$515/mo	↑ $13.69more	2.7%

Housing

↑ 118.4%

Fort Collins, CO

$2,722

Palmdale, CA

$5,945

Difference

$3,223

Transportation

↑ 35.2%

Fort Collins, CO

$1,361

Palmdale, CA

$1,840

Difference

$479

Other

↓ 10.7%

Fort Collins, CO

$1,652

Palmdale, CA

$1,476

Difference

$177

less

Healthcare

↓ 16.1%

Fort Collins, CO

$610

Palmdale, CA

$511

Difference

$98.41

less

Groceries

↓ 3.3%

Fort Collins, CO

$993

Palmdale, CA

$960

Difference

$32.74

less

All Utilities

↑ 2.7%

Fort Collins, CO

$501

Palmdale, CA

$515

Difference

$13.69

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,136

To$1,333

↑ $197

1 Bed

From$1,152

To$1,493

↑ $341

2 Bed

From$1,302

To$1,862

↑ $560

3 Bed

From$1,797

To$2,362

↑ $565

Fort Collins, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,690/mo

Palmdale, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,060–$2,060/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

$11,247

Monthly in Palmdale, CA

$3,408

Difference

Home Values

Fort Collins

Palmdale

$542K

Median Value

$489K

↓ -1.3%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +23.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +31.3%

$509K - $574K

Price Range

$489K

Homes in Palmdale are 10% less expensive than Fort Collins

Calculate payment - Fort Collins Calculate payment - Palmdale

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $4.0K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$336

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.7%

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

Palmdale, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Additional Tax Information

Fort Collins, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

Palmdale, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.