Moving from Fort Collins to Lima (2026)

Lima has a COL index of 40 vs 99 for Fort Collins (100 = US average). You'd pay about 60% less for the same lifestyle.

Save ~$1,475/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
99 โ†’ 40
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,700 โ†’ $500
per month
State tax
4.4% โ†’ None
income tax
COL difference
99 โ†’ 40
60% cheaper

Salary needed in Lima to match your Fort Collins lifestyle

Based on the 60% cost of living decrease between the two cities.

Your salary in Fort CollinsEquivalent in Lima
$40K$16,162
$50K$20,202
$60K$24,242
$75K$30,303
$80K$32,323
$100K$40,404
$120K$48,485
$150K$60,606

Adjust your salary

Save ~$1,234/moon core expenses at $75K

Monthly budget at $75K โ€” Fort Collins vs Lima

ExpenseFort CollinsLima
Monthly take-home$4,466$4,741
1BR rent$1,700$500
Groceries$384$380
Transport$55$150
Utilities$140$55
Internet$65$25
Left after essentials$2,122$3,631

30-Year Wealth Builder

If you invest your monthly savings of $1,234 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:

$1,505,444

over 30 years compared to staying in Fort Collins โ€” that's the real price of a city.

$1,234/mo invested

Frequently asked questions

Is Lima cheaper than Fort Collins?

Yes. Lima has a cost of living index of 40 vs 99 for Fort Collins (100 = US average). That's about 60% cheaper.

How much will I save moving from Fort Collins to Lima?

On a $75K salary, moving from Fort Collins to Lima saves roughly $1,475/month on core expenses. That's ~$17,700/year.

What salary do I need in Lima to match my Fort Collins lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Fort Collins, you'd need roughly $30,303/year in Lima. This is based on the overall COL index difference.

Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow ยท BLS ยท Numbeo ยท For general guidance only