Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Fort Collins, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 0.8% more expensive than Fort Collins, CO. The two cities have very similar living costs.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Fort Collins, CO, you'd need approximately $150,680.153 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 2.4% more expensive than in Fort Collins, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,302/month in Fort Collins, CO.

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

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

Fort Collins, CO vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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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 $56.68/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.7K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↑ 0.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$56.68

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$680

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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:101

Median Home:$414K

Fort Collins, CO

The Centennial State

170K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Fort Collins, CO vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Fort Collins, CO	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,361/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $128more	9.4%
🏠Housing	$2,722/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $66.17more	2.4%
⚡All Utilities	$501/mo	$561/mo	↑ $60.26more	12.0%
🛒Groceries	$993/mo	$963/mo	↓ $29.88less	3.0%
📦Other	$1,652/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $25.09more	1.5%
🏥Healthcare	$610/mo	$589/mo	↓ $21.23less	3.5%

🚗Transportation

↑ 9.4%

Fort Collins, CO

$1,361

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$128

🏠Housing

↑ 2.4%

Fort Collins, CO

$2,722

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$66.17

⚡All Utilities

↑ 12.0%

Fort Collins, CO

$501

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$60.26

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.0%

Fort Collins, CO

$993

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$29.88

less

📦Other

↑ 1.5%

Fort Collins, CO

$1,652

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$25.09

🏥Healthcare

↓ 3.5%

Fort Collins, CO

$610

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$21.23

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,136

To$1,390

↑ $254

1 Bed

From$1,152

To$1,510

↑ $358

2 Bed

From$1,302

To$1,750

↑ $448

3 Bed

From$1,797

To$2,330

↑ $533

Fort Collins, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,690/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$228

Difference

Home Values

Fort Collins

Phoenix

$542K

Median Value

$414K

↓ -1.3%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +23.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$509K - $574K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 24% less expensive than Fort Collins

Calculate payment - Fort Collins Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$114

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.9%

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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Fort Collins, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.