Is San Diego, CA cheaper than Fort Collins, CO?

Based on cost of living data, San Diego, CA is 40.6% more expensive than Fort Collins, CO. This translates to spending an extra $3044 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Fort Collins, CO, you'd need approximately $186,530.446 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in San Diego, CA is 91.9% more expensive than in Fort Collins, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,360/month in San Diego, CA compared to $1,302/month in Fort Collins, CO.

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

Living in San Diego, CA costs approximately $3044 more per month than Fort Collins, CO, or $36530 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fort Collins, CO vs San Diego, 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 $3.0K/month more in San Diego, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $186.5K in San Diego, CA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 40.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,044

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$36.5K

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

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:

141

(41% above avg)

Median Home:$980K

Fort Collins, CO

The Centennial State

170K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Fort Collins, CO vs San Diego, CA

Category	Fort Collins, CO	San Diego, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,722/mo	$5,223/mo	↑ $2,501more	91.9%
Other	$1,652/mo	$1,892/mo	↑ $239more	14.5%
Transportation	$1,361/mo	$1,571/mo	↑ $210more	15.4%
All Utilities	$501/mo	$634/mo	↑ $133more	26.5%
Groceries	$993/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $86.03more	8.7%
Healthcare	$610/mo	$638/mo	↑ $28.34more	4.6%

Housing

↑ 91.9%

Fort Collins, CO

$2,722

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Difference

$2,501

Other

↑ 14.5%

Fort Collins, CO

$1,652

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Difference

$239

Transportation

↑ 15.4%

Fort Collins, CO

$1,361

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Difference

$210

All Utilities

↑ 26.5%

Fort Collins, CO

$501

San Diego, CA

$634

Difference

$133

Groceries

↑ 8.7%

Fort Collins, CO

$993

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Difference

$86.03

Healthcare

↑ 4.6%

Fort Collins, CO

$610

San Diego, CA

$638

Difference

$28.34

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,136

To$2,565

↑ $1,429

1 Bed

From$1,152

To$2,755

↑ $1,603

2 Bed

From$1,302

To$3,360

↑ $2,058

3 Bed

From$1,797

To$4,475

↑ $2,678

Fort Collins, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,690/mo

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/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

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$3,198

Difference

Home Values

Fort Collins

San Diego

$542K

Median Value

$980K

↓ -1.3%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +23.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$509K - $574K

Price Range

$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 81% more expensive than Fort Collins

Calculate payment - Fort Collins Calculate payment - San Diego

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

San Diego, 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%

San Diego, 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.