Cost of Living in Fort Collins
Self-contained college city · 80+ craft breweries · CSU culture
What it costs to live in Fort Collins
Adjust the sliders for your situation. Ranges reflect uncertainty in HOA and metro district fees, narrower is more confident.
Based on your inputs below
Assumes 20% down, 30-year fixed at 6.5% (as of 2026-04-22).
Housing$3,210 – $3,610 | |
|---|---|
| Mortgage (6.5%, 20% down) | $2,806 |
| Property tax | $254 |
| HOA | $0 – $200 |
| Insurance | $150 |
| Metro district fees | not yet verified |
Transportation$829 | |
|---|---|
| Car payments (your input) | $500 |
| Gas (~117 min to downtown) | $329 |
Utilities$345 | |
|---|---|
| Electric & gas (Fort Collins Utilities (municipal, 100% renewable by 2030 goal)) | $205 |
| Water (City of Fort Collins Utilities) | $70 |
| Internet | $70 |
Groceries$650 | |
|---|---|
| Monthly estimate | $650 |
Housing figures updated April 2026. Confidence: low.
car-dependent overall
Housing Market
- Median Home Price
- $535K–$577K
- Price per Sq Ft
- ~$280/sqft
- Data Year
- 2026
- Year-over-Year Change
- +2–4%
- Avg Days on Market
- 45–55
- Inventory (Months)
- 2.5–3.5
Tax Rates
- Property Tax Rate
- ~0.55%
- Sales Tax Rate
- 7.55% (city 3.85%)
- Vehicle Registration
- Standard Colorado
- State Income Tax Impact
- 4.4% flat
- Cost of Living vs National
- ~10% above national average
Monthly Costs
- Water Provider
- City of Fort Collins Utilities
- Electric & Gas
- Fort Collins Utilities (municipal, 100% renewable by 2030 goal)
- Internet Providers
- Connexion (municipal fiber gigabit), Comcast/Xfinity
- Trash & Recycling
- City services
Income & Cost Context
- Median Household Income
- $75,400
- Cost of Living Index
- ~10% above national average
- Avg Childcare Cost
- $1,200–$1,500
Common QuestionsFAQ, Fort Collins
What is the median home price in Fort Collins?
The median home price in Fort Collins ranges from $535K to $577K as of 2026 (Redfin ~$535K, Zillow ZHVI ~$577K), at approximately $280/sqft. Year-over-year prices have increased 2–4%, with homes averaging 45–55 days on market. Active new construction includes the Hughes Stadium redevelopment (1,500 homes) and the 900-acre Montava mixed-use community.
What is the cost of living in Fort Collins?
The cost of living in Fort Collins is approximately 10% above the national average. The property tax rate is ~0.55%, and the combined sales tax rate is 7.55% (including a 3.85% city rate). Colorado’s state income tax is a flat 4.4%. The median household income is $75,400.
Estimates for informational purposes only, not financial advice. Actual costs vary by specific property, subdivision, and household.