Cost of Living in Fort Collins, CO is
18.3% Higher
than the National Average

Did the Cost of Living in Fort Collins, CO increase in 2024? Fort Collins, CO area prices were up 2.3% from a year ago. The largest increases were found in Transportation, Food, and Housing.
By using Salary.com's Cost of Living Calculator, you can make a cost of living comparison of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and salary differentials of over 300+ US cities. Let us help you make an informed decision about what it will cost to live and work in the city of your dreams!
About Fort Collins, Colorado    Fort Collins is the Home Rule Municipality that is the county seat and the most populous municipality of Larimer County, Colorado, United States. Situ....More
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour while Colorado's state law sets the minimum wage rate at $14.42 per hour in 2024. Demands for a living wage that is fair to workers have resulted in numerous location-based changes to minimum wage levels. View future changes in the minimum wage in your location by visiting Minimum Wage Values in Fort Collins, CO

Cost of Living Calculator



Cost of Living in other Major Cities

City, State Compared to national average
City, State San Francisco, CA Compared to national average
+ 86.5%
City, State Washington, DC Compared to national average
+ 45.2%
City, State Miami, FL Compared to national average
+ 15.4%
City, State Chicago, IL Compared to national average
+ 12.4%
City, State Boston, MA Compared to national average
+ 53.1%
City, State New York, NY Compared to national average
+ 77.0%
City, State Dallas, TX Compared to national average
+ 7.0%

Cost of Living Fort Collins, CO by Expense Category

Category Compared to national average
CategoryEnergy Compared to national average
-16.3%
CategoryFood Compared to national average
+ 0.6%
CategoryHealthcare Compared to national average
+ 18.9%
CategoryHousing Compared to national average
+ 6.7%
CategoryTransportation Compared to national average
+ 16.9%

Cost of Living Comparison with Fort Collins, CO

If you move to Fort Collins from one of these cities, you would have these the changes of your cost of living.


Move From Move To Cost Of Living Comparison
Move FromSan Francisco, CA Move ToFort Collins, CO Cost Of Living Comparision
-68.2%
Move FromWashington, DC Move ToFort Collins, CO Cost Of Living Comparision
-26.9%
Move FromMiami, FL Move ToFort Collins, CO Cost Of Living Comparision
+ 2.9%
Move FromChicago, IL Move ToFort Collins, CO Cost Of Living Comparision
+ 5.9%
Move FromBoston, MA Move ToFort Collins, CO Cost Of Living Comparision
-34.8%
Move FromNew York, NY Move ToFort Collins, CO Cost Of Living Comparision
-58.7%
Move FromDallas, TX Move ToFort Collins, CO Cost Of Living Comparision
+ 11.3%

Based on this cost of living comparison, you can see:
If you move from Chicago IL, Dallas, TX, or Miami, FL, the percent increase of your cost of living could be 22.8%, 37.8%, and 24.8%. Looks like this move could have a negative net change in disposable income, so please think carefully!
If you move from New York, NY, San Francisco, CA, or Washington, DC, the percent reduction of your cost of living could be -43.50%, -23%, and -20.10%, that's good news to you that you could be looking at a positive net change in disposable income.


About Fort Collins, CO

Fort Collins is the Home Rule Municipality that is the county seat and the most populous municipality of Larimer County, Colorado, United States. Situated on the Cache La Poudre River along the Colorado Front Range, Fort Collins is located 56 mi (90 km) north of the Colorado State Capitol in Denver. With a 2016 estimated population of 161,000, it is the fourth most populous city in Colorado after Denver, Colorado Springs, and Aurora. Fort Collins is a midsize college city, home to Colorado State University. Fort Collins is situated at the base of the Rocky Mountain foothills of the northern Fr...
Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Read more from Wikipedia


Comments about the Cost of Living in Fort Collins, CO

Will the cost of food in Fort Collins, Colorado impact the overall cost of living there?

Yes, cost of food is important as we all have to eat! There are ways to save money on your food expenses if you plan carefully. Check out stores like Carrefour or Metro to buy items in bulk at a considerable savings. At different times of the year you can get local produce for low prices at roadside stands or farmer’s markets. There are lots of ways to reduce food expenses and lower your overall cost of living in Fort Collins, CO. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )

Are there good recreational opportunities in or near Fort Collins, CO?

Fort Collins, CO does not have a major sports team, but don’t worry, check out local colleges and high school sports schedules. These games usually have very cheap tickets and the spirit and enthusiasm of the crowd often makes up for the level of skill. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )

Are there any good ways to save money on Cable TV and internet service in Fort Collins, CO?

The average cost of internet access in the U.S. is $66.20 per month. There are many providers and various packages that are offered, many that bundle internet, cable, and phone together. Pricing for various packages can vary a lot even in the same location. You should evaluate the options based on your usage and preferences and pick the best fit for your needs. One tip to reduce this cost and your overall cost of living, is to get cable service from another source like Direct TV, Netflix, Sling, Amazon Prime or others. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )

I am nervous about moving, what is the typical cost of moving to another city and what should I have to think about?

Even if you are moving within your current state, the cost of moving could be over $1,000 depending on the city, what you are moving, and how much professional help you hire. You can save some expense by packing boxes yourself, renting a U-Haul truck, and asking friends and family to help with the loading and unloading. You should call at least three moving companies for a moving estimate, the cost might be less than you think and you won’t have to worry about a friend hurting their back trying to move your heavy furniture. Another way to make your move easier – and save money – is by weeding out items you don’t need anymore. Why bother to move stuff that you do not even use! Have a yard sale or find a local charitable organization and donate items you no longer use. Make sure you include these moving costs into the overall cost of living for year one in Fort Collins, CO. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )

How much are average utility costs in Fort Collins, Colorado compared to the rest of U.S.?

Electric costs in Fort Collins,CO are currently lower than average when compared to other states. Since a year ago the price of electricity in Colorado has gone down about 3.686%. Electric costs will contribute to the energy component of your overall cost of living. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )

My kids are important, how much of my cost of living should I estimate I will need to spend on child care in Fort Collins, CO?

It is difficult to exactly predict the cost of child care in any city, which for parents, is a large part of the cost of living. There are different arrangements and lengths of time that are needed to care for a child, and costs may vary a lot depending on the services provided. Based on the state average, for Fort Collins child care for a child up to 3 years could cost $13154 per year. Colorado, is ranked NO. 7 in annual cost of child care in the U.S. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )

How do rental housing prices in Fort Collins,Colorado impact the overall cost of living?

In Fort Collins,CO, my friend pays $750 for a large 2 bedroom apartment. Since he has 2 children, he needs to have a large apartment. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )

I need to keep my cost of living under control, is there a lot to do in Fort Collins, Colorado that is not very expensive?

Looks for areas of Fort Collins, Colorado where there is a large student population. In those areas you will be sure to find lots of free or cheap events to go to and plenty of cheap places to eat. Familiarize yourself with the places where students hang out, and take advantage of discounted or bargain prices, you are sure to be able to keep your cost of living reasonable. Look at the website for Fort Collins, CO to find recommendations for activities that are available and unique to the area. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )

I know there are many types of taxes that contribute to the cost of living in Fort Collins, Colorado, will the overall tax expense be high or low?

Good question. Based on Individual income taxes (which you will pay on earnings), Sales taxes (pay for your purchases), property taxes (on your home or indirectly on your rent), unemployment insurance taxes (from your income), and general business taxes (impacting employers ability to offer jobs and good pay), in Fort Collins, the overall tax climate compared to the rest of the country is generally low. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )

Can you save money using public transport?

You could save up to $1,000 per year, depending on your location, by using public transport instead of driving. Not only will you reduce the stress of driving and finding a place to park once you reach your destination, your car and tires will last longer, and you will spend less on gas. A side benefit is that you may be able to relax, work, or read on the way to work, or get to know and chat with other commuters. Some employers offer employees reduced fee bus or transit passes, so check that out with your employer. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )



Cost of Living Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cost of Living index and how is it used?

In the simplest terms, a Cost of Living index is the estimated amount that represents the cost of the basic necessities required for an individual to live. A cost of living or COL estimate may typically include estimates for housing, food, energy, medical care, transportation, taxes, and other necessities. A COL index may be used to measure what the cost difference would be for a person living in a certain location compared to another location. This cost of living comparison helps individuals make decisions about where they would like to live and what they can afford based on the costs in that location. A cost of living comparison can provide guidance about how an increase or decrease in these basic living expenses impacts necessary spending for an individual or a family. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )

What factors are included in estimating your cost of living?

The Salary.com cost of living calculator estimate is based on data related to five general categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These are the universally recognized core components of any cost of living estimate and represent those expenses that apply to everyone. Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits. For example, education and/or childcare costs might not apply to everyone, but for those who have those expenses, they could be significant and should be considered when you evaluate your cost of living comparison. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )

The Salary.com cost of living calculator is unique in that it also incorporates current salary data for thousands of jobs specific to a chosen home or work location to provide a more refined estimate of the cost of living variations. You can see how your job and your salary will be impacted by a change of location. If you live in one location but work in another, the cost of living calculator will make those adjustments to provide an accurate estimate of the change in COL. The Salary.com cost of living calculator helps you to make cost of living comparisons cost comparisons easily and quickly. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )


Last Update: 2024-03-27