Moving from Fort Collins to Tempe (2026)
Tempe has a COL index of 103 vs 99 for Fort Collins (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 4% more for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Tempe to match your Fort Collins lifestyle
Based on the 4% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Fort Collins | Equivalent in Tempe |
|---|---|
| $40K | $41,616 |
| $50K | $52,020 |
| $60K | $62,424 |
| $75K | $78,030 |
| $80K | $83,232 |
| $100K | $104,040 |
| $120K | $124,848 |
| $150K | $156,061 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Fort Collins vs Tempe
| Expense | Fort Collins | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,466 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $1,700 | $1,600 |
| Groceries | $384 | $380 |
| Transport | $55 | $55 |
| Utilities | $140 | $210 |
| Internet | $65 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $2,122 | $2,277 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Tempe cheaper than Fort Collins?
No. Tempe has a cost of living index of 103 vs 99 for Fort Collins (100 = US average). That's about 4% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Fort Collins to Tempe?
On a $75K salary, moving from Fort Collins to Tempe could save roughly $37/month on core expenses. That's ~$444/year.
What salary do I need in Tempe to match my Fort Collins lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Fort Collins, you'd need roughly $78,030/year in Tempe. 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