Moving from Boulder to Fort Collins (2026)
Fort Collins has a COL index of 99 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). You'd pay about 25% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Fort Collins to match your Boulder lifestyle
Based on the 25% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Boulder | Equivalent in Fort Collins |
|---|---|
| $40K | $30,000 |
| $50K | $37,500 |
| $60K | $45,000 |
| $75K | $56,250 |
| $80K | $60,000 |
| $100K | $75,000 |
| $120K | $90,000 |
| $150K | $112,500 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Boulder vs Fort Collins
| Expense | Boulder | Fort Collins |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,466 | $4,466 |
| 1BR rent | $2,300 | $1,700 |
| Groceries | $414 | $384 |
| Transport | $80 | $55 |
| Utilities | $138 | $140 |
| Internet | $68 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $1,466 | $2,122 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Fort Collins cheaper than Boulder?
Yes. Fort Collins has a cost of living index of 99 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). That's about 25% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Boulder to Fort Collins?
On a $75K salary, moving from Boulder to Fort Collins could save roughly $656/month on core expenses. That's ~$7,872/year.
What salary do I need in Fort Collins to match my Boulder lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Boulder, you'd need roughly $56,250/year in Fort Collins. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only