Is Fort Collins, CO cheaper than Lancaster, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Fort Collins, CO is 28.8% cheaper than Lancaster, CA. This translates to saving $2160 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Lancaster, CA, you'd need approximately $124,081.808 in Fort Collins, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Fort Collins, CO is 53.0% cheaper than in Lancaster, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,302/month in Fort Collins, CO compared to $1,461/month in Lancaster, CA.

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

Moving from Lancaster, CA to Fort Collins, CO could save you approximately $2160 per month, or $25918 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lancaster, 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 Lancaster, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.2K/month moving to Fort Collins, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $124.1K in Fort Collins, CO

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

Overall Cost

↓ 28.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,160

Savings

Annual Impact

$25.9K

Per year

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

Lancaster, CA

Population:166K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$412K

Fort Collins, CO

Population:170K

Cost Index:

(29% below avg)

Median Home:$542K

Lancaster, CA

The Golden State

166K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 166K 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: Lancaster, CA vs Fort Collins, CO

Category	Lancaster, CA	Fort Collins, CO	Difference	Change
Housing	$5,789/mo	$2,722/mo	↓ $3,067less	53.0%
Transportation	$1,792/mo	$1,361/mo	↓ $431less	24.0%
Other	$1,437/mo	$1,652/mo	↑ $215more	15.0%
Healthcare	$505/mo	$610/mo	↑ $105more	20.8%
Groceries	$948/mo	$993/mo	↑ $45.43more	4.8%
All Utilities	$508/mo	$501/mo	↓ $6.88less	1.4%

Housing

↓ 53.0%

Lancaster, CA

$5,789

Fort Collins, CO

$2,722

Difference

$3,067

less

Transportation

↓ 24.0%

Lancaster, CA

$1,792

Fort Collins, CO

$1,361

Difference

$431

less

Other

↑ 15.0%

Lancaster, CA

$1,437

Fort Collins, CO

$1,652

Difference

$215

Healthcare

↑ 20.8%

Lancaster, CA

$505

Fort Collins, CO

$610

Difference

$105

Groceries

↑ 4.8%

Lancaster, CA

$948

Fort Collins, CO

$993

Difference

$45.43

All Utilities

↓ 1.4%

Lancaster, CA

$508

Fort Collins, CO

$501

Difference

$6.88

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,016

To$1,136

↑ $120

1 Bed

From$1,150

To$1,152

↑ $2.00

2 Bed

From$1,461

To$1,302

↓ $159

3 Bed

From$1,870

To$1,797

↓ $73.00

Lancaster, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,630–$1,630/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.

$10,978

Monthly in Lancaster, CA

$7,839

Monthly in Fort Collins, CO

$3,138

Difference

Home Values

Lancaster

Fort Collins

$412K

Median Value

$542K

↓ -3.7%

YoY Change

↓ -1.3%

↑ +29.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +23.2%

$412K

Price Range

$509K - $574K

Homes in Fort Collins are 32% more expensive than Lancaster

Calculate payment - Lancaster 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

Lancaster, 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

Lancaster, 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.