Cost of Living: Duluth vs Fort Collins (2026)
Duluth has a 12% lower overall cost of living than Fort Collins as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,200/mo in Duluth vs $1,700/mo in Fort Collins — a 29% difference. Fort Collins has a lower state income tax rate (4.4% vs 9.9%), which adds up over time.
- Duluth is 12% cheaper overall (COL index: 87 vs 99)
- 1BR rent: $1,200/mo in Duluth vs $1,700/mo — 29% savings
- Higher median household income: Fort Collins ($72,000/yr vs $54,000/yr)
- Median home price: $230,000 in Duluth vs $520,000 — 56% difference
| Category | Duluth Minnesota | Fort Collins Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $950Best | $1,350 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,200Best | $1,700 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,600Best | $2,250 |
| Median home price | $230KBest | $520K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 97Best | 101 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $12Best | $14 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $50Best | $60 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $60 | $55Best |
| Gas price/gal | $3.25Best | $3.40 |
| Car insurance/mo | $140Best | $140 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $165 | $140Best |
| Internet/mo | $62Best | $65 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $54K | $72KBest |
| State income tax% | 9.9% | 4.4%Best |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 7.5%Best | 7.5% |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $13.00Best | $15.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $35Best | $42 |
| Beer at restaurant | $5.50Best | $6.50 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 87Best | 99 |
| Walk score / 100 | 43Best | 36 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Duluth cheaper than Fort Collins?
Yes. Duluth is 12% cheaper than Fort Collins based on overall cost of living indices (87 vs 99, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Duluth vs Fort Collins?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Duluth is $1,200/month and in Fort Collins is $1,700/month. Duluth is cheaper by 29%.
How much do I need to earn in Fort Collins to match a $75,000 salary in Duluth?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $85,345/year in Fort Collins to match a $75,000 salary in Duluth. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Duluth or Fort Collins?
Fort Collins has the lower state income tax rate at 4.4% vs 9.9%. The difference is 5.5 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Duluth to Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Duluth offers lower overall costs, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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