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Cost of Living in Fort Collins

Is it better to rent or buy in Fort Collins? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$86,800
$1,726/mo

Median in area: $1,726

$567,273

Median in area: $567,273

$113,455

If you Rent

🔑
$1,861 /mo
Base Rent$1,726
Est. Utilities$135
% of Income25.7%
Pre-tax Residual$5,372

If you Buy

🏠
$3,491 /mo
P&I (6.81%)$2,962
Taxes & Ins$394
Est. Utilities$135
% of Income48.3%
Pre-tax Residual$3,743

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Fort Collins?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Fort Collins. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,861, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $3,491 per month (a difference of $1,630).

How much do utilities cost in Fort Collins?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Fort Collins is approximately $135. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Fort Collins?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Fort Collins without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $74,440 per year.