Can I Afford to Live in Fort Collins vs El Paso on $80K?
Here's how a $80K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Fort Collins CO | El Paso TX |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $4,763 | $5,057 |
| 1BR rent | $1,700 | $1,050 |
| Groceries (est.) | $384 | $346 |
| Transport (est.) | $55 | $40 |
| Utilities | $140 | $175 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,419/month | $3,386/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $80K a good salary in Fort Collins?
At $80K/year in Fort Collins, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,763. With 1BR rent around $1,700/month, rent takes up 36% of your take-home. That's considered tight.
Is $80K a good salary in El Paso?
At $80K/year in El Paso, your estimated monthly take-home is $5,057. With 1BR rent around $1,050/month, rent takes up 21% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.
Which city is more affordable on a $80K salary?
El Paso leaves you with more money after core expenses — $3,386/month vs $2,419/month in Fort Collins.
Can I afford to live alone in Fort Collins on $80K?
It's tight. Rent in Fort Collins would take 36% of your $80K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.
See the full cost-of-living comparison
Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.
Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only