Is Fort Collins, CO cheaper than Lakewood, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Fort Collins, CO is 3.7% cheaper than Lakewood, CO. This translates to saving $277 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Lakewood, CO, you'd need approximately $146,670.12 in Fort Collins, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Fort Collins, CO is 3.7% cheaper than in Lakewood, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,302/month in Fort Collins, CO compared to $1,599/month in Lakewood, CO.

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

Moving from Lakewood, CO to Fort Collins, CO could save you approximately $277 per month, or $3330 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lakewood, CO vs Fort Collins, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Lakewood, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $277/month moving to Fort Collins, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.7K in Fort Collins, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO area

Overall Cost

↓ 3.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$277

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.3K

Per year

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

Lakewood, CO

Population:156K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$585K

Fort Collins, CO

Population:170K

Cost Index:

(4% below avg)

Median Home:$542K

Lakewood, CO

The Centennial State

156K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Colorado, this city has a population of 156K 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: Lakewood, CO vs Fort Collins, CO

Category	Lakewood, CO	Fort Collins, CO	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,827/mo	$2,722/mo	↓ $105less	3.7%
Other	$1,716/mo	$1,652/mo	↓ $63.48less	3.7%
Transportation	$1,413/mo	$1,361/mo	↓ $52.29less	3.7%
Groceries	$1,012/mo	$993/mo	↓ $18.90less	1.9%
Healthcare	$621/mo	$610/mo	↓ $11.60less	1.9%
All Utilities	$510/mo	$501/mo	↓ $9.53less	1.9%

Housing

↓ 3.7%

Lakewood, CO

$2,827

Fort Collins, CO

$2,722

Difference

$105

less

Other

↓ 3.7%

Lakewood, CO

$1,716

Fort Collins, CO

$1,652

Difference

$63.48

less

Transportation

↓ 3.7%

Lakewood, CO

$1,413

Fort Collins, CO

$1,361

Difference

$52.29

less

Groceries

↓ 1.9%

Lakewood, CO

$1,012

Fort Collins, CO

$993

Difference

$18.90

less

Healthcare

↓ 1.9%

Lakewood, CO

$621

Fort Collins, CO

$610

Difference

$11.60

less

All Utilities

↓ 1.9%

Lakewood, CO

$510

Fort Collins, CO

$501

Difference

$9.53

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,257

To$1,136

↓ $121

1 Bed

From$1,344

To$1,152

↓ $192

2 Bed

From$1,599

To$1,302

↓ $297

3 Bed

From$2,092

To$1,797

↓ $295

Lakewood, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$1,900/mo

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.

$8,100

Monthly in Lakewood, CO

$7,839

Monthly in Fort Collins, CO

$260

Difference

Home Values

Lakewood

Fort Collins

$585K

Median Value

$542K

↓ -2.6%

YoY Change

↓ -1.3%

↑ +20.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +23.2%

$519K - $652K

Price Range

$509K - $574K

Homes in Fort Collins are 7% less expensive than Lakewood

Calculate payment - Lakewood Calculate payment - Fort Collins

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

Lakewood, 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

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

Lakewood, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

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.