Is Fort Collins, CO cheaper than Palmdale, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Fort Collins, CO is 30.7% cheaper than Palmdale, CA. This translates to saving $2300 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Palmdale, CA, you'd need approximately $122,398.903 in Fort Collins, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Fort Collins, CO is 54.2% cheaper than in Palmdale, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,302/month in Fort Collins, CO compared to $1,862/month in Palmdale, CA.

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

Moving from Palmdale, CA to Fort Collins, CO could save you approximately $2300 per month, or $27601 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Palmdale, 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 Palmdale, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.3K/month moving to Fort Collins, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $122.4K in Fort Collins, CO

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

Overall Cost

↓ 30.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,300

Savings

Annual Impact

$27.6K

Per year

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

Palmdale, CA

Population:161K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$489K

Fort Collins, CO

Population:170K

Cost Index:

(31% below avg)

Median Home:$542K

Palmdale, CA

The Golden State

161K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 161K 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: Palmdale, CA vs Fort Collins, CO

Category	Palmdale, CA	Fort Collins, CO	Difference	Change
Housing	$5,945/mo	$2,722/mo	↓ $3,223less	54.2%
Transportation	$1,840/mo	$1,361/mo	↓ $479less	26.0%
Other	$1,476/mo	$1,652/mo	↑ $177more	12.0%
Healthcare	$511/mo	$610/mo	↑ $98.41more	19.2%
Groceries	$960/mo	$993/mo	↑ $32.74more	3.4%
All Utilities	$515/mo	$501/mo	↓ $13.69less	2.7%

Housing

↓ 54.2%

Palmdale, CA

$5,945

Fort Collins, CO

$2,722

Difference

$3,223

less

Transportation

↓ 26.0%

Palmdale, CA

$1,840

Fort Collins, CO

$1,361

Difference

$479

less

Other

↑ 12.0%

Palmdale, CA

$1,476

Fort Collins, CO

$1,652

Difference

$177

Healthcare

↑ 19.2%

Palmdale, CA

$511

Fort Collins, CO

$610

Difference

$98.41

Groceries

↑ 3.4%

Palmdale, CA

$960

Fort Collins, CO

$993

Difference

$32.74

All Utilities

↓ 2.7%

Palmdale, CA

$515

Fort Collins, CO

$501

Difference

$13.69

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,333

To$1,136

↓ $197

1 Bed

From$1,493

To$1,152

↓ $341

2 Bed

From$1,862

To$1,302

↓ $560

3 Bed

From$2,362

To$1,797

↓ $565

Palmdale, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,060–$2,060/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.

$11,247

Monthly in Palmdale, CA

$7,839

Monthly in Fort Collins, CO

$3,408

Difference

Home Values

Palmdale

Fort Collins

$489K

Median Value

$542K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -1.3%

↑ +31.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +23.2%

$489K

Price Range

$509K - $574K

Homes in Fort Collins are 11% more expensive than Palmdale

Calculate payment - Palmdale 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

Palmdale, 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

Palmdale, 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.