Can I Afford to Live in Fort Collins vs Provo 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.

Fort Collins, CO
$4,763/mo take-home
Rent: $1,700/mo (36% of take-home)
Tight
Provo, UT
$4,743/mo take-home
Rent: $1,400/mo (30% of take-home)
Manageable
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Monthly budget breakdown

Fort Collins
CO
Provo
UT
Monthly take-home (est.)
$4,763Best ✓
$4,743
1BR rent
$1,700
$1,400Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$384
$372Best ✓
Transport (est.)
$55Best ✓
$62
Utilities
$140Best ✓
$148
Internet
$65
$63Best ✓
Left after essentials
$2,419/month
$2,698/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 Provo?

At $80K/year in Provo, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,743. With 1BR rent around $1,400/month, rent takes up 30% of your take-home. That's considered manageable.

Which city is more affordable on a $80K salary?

Provo leaves you with more money after core expenses — $2,698/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.

Compare other salary bands — Fort Collins vs Provo

$40K$50K$60K$75K$100K$120K$150K

See the full cost-of-living comparison

Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.

Full comparison

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