Is Fort Collins, CO cheaper than Garden Grove, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Fort Collins, CO is 33.5% cheaper than Garden Grove, CA. This translates to saving $2512 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Garden Grove, CA, you'd need approximately $119,859.316 in Fort Collins, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Fort Collins, CO is 54.7% cheaper than in Garden Grove, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,302/month in Fort Collins, CO compared to $2,650/month in Garden Grove, CA.

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

Moving from Garden Grove, CA to Fort Collins, CO could save you approximately $2512 per month, or $30141 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Garden Grove, CA vs Fort Collins, CO: 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 Garden Grove, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.5K/month moving to Fort Collins, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $119.9K in Fort Collins, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 33.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,512

Savings

Annual Impact

$30.1K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Garden Grove, CA

Population:168K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$833K

Fort Collins, CO

Population:170K

Cost Index:

(33% below avg)

Median Home:$542K

Garden Grove, CA

The Golden State

168K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 168K residents.

Fort Collins, CO

The Centennial State

170K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Garden Grove, CA vs Fort Collins, CO

Category	Garden Grove, CA	Fort Collins, CO	Difference	Change
Housing	$6,003/mo	$2,722/mo	↓ $3,281less	54.7%
Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,361/mo	↓ $797less	36.9%
Other	$1,724/mo	$1,652/mo	↓ $71.96less	4.2%
Healthcare	$551/mo	$610/mo	↑ $58.40more	10.6%
All Utilities	$557/mo	$501/mo	↓ $56.44less	10.1%
Groceries	$1,039/mo	$993/mo	↓ $46.06less	4.4%

Housing

↓ 54.7%

Garden Grove, CA

$6,003

Fort Collins, CO

$2,722

Difference

$3,281

less

Transportation

↓ 36.9%

Garden Grove, CA

$2,158

Fort Collins, CO

$1,361

Difference

$797

less

Other

↓ 4.2%

Garden Grove, CA

$1,724

Fort Collins, CO

$1,652

Difference

$71.96

less

Healthcare

↑ 10.6%

Garden Grove, CA

$551

Fort Collins, CO

$610

Difference

$58.40

All Utilities

↓ 10.1%

Garden Grove, CA

$557

Fort Collins, CO

$501

Difference

$56.44

less

Groceries

↓ 4.4%

Garden Grove, CA

$1,039

Fort Collins, CO

$993

Difference

$46.06

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,750

To$1,136

↓ $614

1 Bed

From$2,050

To$1,152

↓ $898

2 Bed

From$2,650

To$1,302

↓ $1,348

3 Bed

From$3,800

To$1,797

↓ $2,003

Fort Collins, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,690/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.

$12,034

Monthly in Garden Grove, CA

$7,839

Monthly in Fort Collins, CO

$4,194

Difference

Home Values

Garden Grove

Fort Collins

Median Value

$542K

YoY Change

↓ -1.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +23.2%

Price Range

$509K - $574K

Calculate payment - Fort Collins

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$336

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.7%

Rate difference

Garden Grove, 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

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

Additional Tax Information

Garden Grove, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Fort Collins, 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.