Image source: pexels

For those searching for greener pastures, the bell chimes of a new location where employment opportunities abound is always good news. If you fall in either of these groups, Fort Collins must have popped up on your radar.

As the 12th fastest-growing city in the U.S. and a top 25 place to live in the country, Fort Collins has proven to be more than a ‘trophy’ city with just the sights and scenery as its valuables. 

But what does it cost to live in this northern Colorado city?

Depending on where you are moving from, you may find the 18.3% higher than national average cost of living in Fort Collins a level up or a downer.

The cost of living index being a 2.3% increase from the one in 2023 suggests an increased influx of people into the city and an accompanying economic growth. A further testament that perhaps, Fort Collins does have the grass green. 

So, before punching that calculator, let’s examine how much you need to live in Fort Collins.

 

Housing — Shelter is Gold

Housing cost in Fort Collins is significantly higher than the national average by 6.7%. 

Home prices will vary depending on the neighborhood. For instance, neighborhoods such as Adriel Hills, Alta Vista, Waterglen, and Buckingham are pricey. The rent costs here are around $2,230 per month. 

While outskirt neighborhoods and places like Brittany Knolls offer some savings, with rent going for around $1,755 per month. 

• Average House Rent: $1,933
• Median Home Value: $522,900

Fort Collins offers a mix of housing options, from cozy condos to apartments. The rental costs for these homes also vary accordingly.

Bedroom Type	Average Monthly Rent
Studio	$1,486
1 Bedroom	$1,514
2 Bedrooms	$1,811
3 Bedrooms	$2,299
4 Bedrooms	$2,763

 

Note:

Areas closer to downtown or near Colorado State University tend to be pricier. However, about 54% of Fort Collins apartments cost between $1,501 to $2,000.

Utilities — Bills, Bills, and More Bills

After settling in your home with the assistance of local movers in Fort Collins, another medley of expenses to look out for are utilities.

When it comes to energy bills, you pay an incredible 16.3% lower fee compared to the national average. This means that for a standard apartment, you can expect to pay around $115 to $275 per month for electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage services. 

Internet typically adds another $60 to $130, depending on your speed needs, provider, and subscription plan.

• Phone Bill: $43
• Energy Bill: $183.99

Just know that living in Fort Collins offers you some financial respite when it comes to utility bills.

Healthcare

Healthcare is an essential part of living costs in Fort Collins. Compared to similar cities, it is moderate, even though it’s 18.9% higher than the national average.

When it comes to healthcare access, there are 207 physicians for every 100,000 people in Fort Collins. 

You should expect the average cost of a visit to the doctor to be around $150 to $200 for out-of-pocket payments. But if you have insurance, your out-of-pocket expenses will, of course, depend on your plan. 

For a basic health insurance plan, monthly payments of around $300 to $500 will cover your healthcare costs.

 

Food and Groceries — Cup Half Full or Cup Half Empty?

Eating in Fort Collins can be as budget-friendly or as lavish as you want it to be. 

Food may cost 0.6% higher than the national average, but you can get a simple meal at an inexpensive restaurant for $20. A meal at a mid-range restaurant for two people might set you back $74. 

Not to forget about the amazing breweries in town that will cost you about $6.

But, let’s say you like to get your hands dirty and really cook your meals yourself, here’s a look at the average cost of groceries:

Grocery Item	Cost
Milk (1 gallon)	$3.76
Bread	$3.47
Banana (1 kg)	$1.46
Local Cheese (1kg)	$11.32
Chicken (1 kg)	$11.39
Eggs (1 dozen)	$3.68

 

Your Transportation Costs While On the Move

Fort Collins is bike-friendly, but despite the reliable Transfort bus service, you might still need a car. 

The cost of gas hovers around the national average, usually around $3 to $4 per gallon. 

Rideshare public transportation options are more popular here after the use of bikes. Tax tariffs come in at $2.50, while a one-hour taxi ride may cost $25.

Goods and Services: Shopping Spree or Shopping Scream?

From haircuts to gym memberships, the cost of goods and services in Fort Collins can vary, depending on the neighborhood. 

A standard haircut might cost around $25 to $45. If you’re into fitness, expect to pay about $60 to $110 for a pair of Nike running shoes.

When shopping for clothes, you’ll find prices pretty much in line with the national average. A pair of Levi jeans average $57.50, and you get to pay about $40 for a summer dress.

Taxes — Uncle Sam Wants His Share

One of the essential considerations in the cost of living in Fort Collins is how you’ll deal with a few different types of taxes. 

Property taxes average about 0.48% of your home’s value annually. 

You will also have to consider income tax. Luckily, it’s not graduated; the income tax rate is at a flat rate of 4.4%, the same as every other city in Colorado.

Then, for those purchases, expect a combined sales tax of 4.35%, which includes state, county, and city taxes.

• Sales Tax Rate: 4.35%
• Income Tax Rate: 4.4%
• Property Tax Rate: 0.48%

Income — What’s Your Financial Lifeline Like in Fort Collins?

When you sum all the taxes you have to pay in Fort Collins, it can be tempting to want to bundle all your things and move to places with lower tax rates. But you must consider the job opportunities, quality of life, and your average earnings in Fort Collins.

The median household income in Fort Collins is higher than the national average and has a pretty solid value. The average salary in Fort Collins is $72,000. But depending on your job, you might even see numbers higher than this. 

For instance, a software engineer earns an average of $85,337. On the other hand, a marketing director’s salary ranges between $54,000 and $124,000. 

• Population: 169,810
• Median Household Income: $78,977
• Unemployment Rate: 3.6%
• Poverty Rate: 16.2%

Note:

The city has a booming job market, especially in education, healthcare, and tech industries, so finding work that pays the bills shouldn’t be too hard.

Wrap Up — Cost of Living in Fort Collins

The average cost of living in Fort Collins comes with a good balance of affordability and a high quality of life. While it’s not the cheapest place to live in Colorado, it’s more affordable than nearby cities like Boulder or Denver. 

But how much do you need to live in the Choice City? A comfortable lifestyle in Fort Collins will likely require an income of at least $50,000 to $80,000 per year for a single person and more if you have a family. 

With around this amount, you’ll get to enjoy one of the most charming, vibrant cities in Colorado that inspired Disneyland’s iconic Main Street USA theme park.