Phoenix, AZ vs Fort Collins, CO: cost of living compared
Price levels from BEA (2024); rent and home values from Zillow (September 2026).
The short answer
- Overall, Fort Collins, CO is 2.1% less expensive than Phoenix, AZ (BEA, 2024).
- To keep the same standard of living, $75,000 in Phoenix works out to about $73,400 in Fort Collins, before taxes.
- Most of the difference is everyday costs rather than housing: goods are 1.1% higher and other services 4.0% lower in Fort Collins, while housing is 0.5% lower.
- Typical asking rent is $1,973 a month in Fort Collins and $1,720 in Phoenix, $3,036 a year more in Fort Collins (Zillow, September 2026).
- A typical home is valued at about $546,000 in Fort Collins and $441,000 in Phoenix.
- The gap is about where it was in 2019 (2.2%).
derived Calculated from BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) and Zillow data. Based on an average household's spending; taxes not included. How we calculate.
Category by category
Both cities against the US average (100). The gap in each row is what matters for a move.
Everyday costs, not housing, drive the gap between Phoenix and Fort Collins
Price level by category, 2024. US average = 100.
- Phoenix, AZ
- Fort Collins, CO
All items Phoenix, AZ: 103.3 Fort Collins, CO: 101.1
Goods Phoenix, AZ: 95.0 Fort Collins, CO: 96.1
Housing (rents) Phoenix, AZ: 121.2 Fort Collins, CO: 120.6
Utilities Phoenix, AZ: 93.3 Fort Collins, CO: 82.2
Other services Phoenix, AZ: 104.0 Fort Collins, CO: 99.8
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by metropolitan area, 2024 (US = 100).
Show the numbers
| Phoenix, AZ | Fort Collins, CO | |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 103.3 | 101.1 |
| Goods | 95.0 | 96.1 |
| Housing (rents) | 121.2 | 120.6 |
| Utilities | 93.3 | 82.2 |
| Other services | 104.0 | 99.8 |
| Category | Phoenix | Fort Collins | Fort Collins vs Phoenix |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 103.3 | 101.1 | −2.1% |
| Goods | 95.0 | 96.1 | +1.1% |
| Housing (rents) | 121.2 | 120.6 | −0.5% |
| Utilities | 93.3 | 82.2 | −12.0% |
| Other services | 104.0 | 99.8 | −4.0% |
| Typical asking rent | $1,720 | $1,973 | +14.7% |
| Typical home value | $441,000 | $546,000 | +23.7% |
| Salary to match $75,000 in Phoenix | $75,000 | $73,400 | −2.1% |
Index values: BEA, 2024, US = 100. Rent and home values: Data Provided by Zillow Group, September 2026.
How the gap has changed since 2008
The price gap between Phoenix and Fort Collins has narrowed since 2008: 8.5 points then, 2.2 now
Overall price level each year, 2008–2024. US average = 100.
- Phoenix, AZ
- Fort Collins, CO
US average = 100
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by metropolitan area, 2024 (US = 100).
Show the numbers
| Phoenix, AZ | Fort Collins, CO | |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 105.7 | 97.2 |
| 2009 | 105.4 | 103.1 |
| 2010 | 102.7 | 101.3 |
| 2011 | 100.3 | 103.3 |
| 2012 | 98.7 | 104.7 |
| 2013 | 99.5 | 103.2 |
| 2014 | 99.1 | 103.2 |
| 2015 | 98.7 | 101.7 |
| 2016 | 100.4 | 101.4 |
| 2017 | 98.9 | 104.4 |
| 2018 | 99.6 | 100.9 |
| 2019 | 100.0 | 102.2 |
| 2020 | 102.8 | 98.5 |
| 2021 | 99.1 | 97.6 |
| 2022 | 103.9 | 98.2 |
| 2023 | 104.7 | 97.3 |
| 2024 | 103.3 | 101.1 |
Goods
- Phoenix, AZ
- Fort Collins, CO
US = 100
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by metropolitan area, 2024 (US = 100).
Show the numbers
| Phoenix, AZ | Fort Collins, CO | |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 105.6 | 96.2 |
| 2009 | 109.1 | 101.1 |
| 2010 | 101.2 | 97.8 |
| 2011 | 99.0 | 99.2 |
| 2012 | 98.0 | 99.7 |
| 2013 | 97.8 | 98.0 |
| 2014 | 98.2 | 96.3 |
| 2015 | 98.7 | 94.9 |
| 2016 | 97.8 | 94.4 |
| 2017 | 96.0 | 99.7 |
| 2018 | 95.9 | 96.0 |
| 2019 | 94.9 | 99.2 |
| 2020 | 101.5 | 96.1 |
| 2021 | 94.5 | 96.3 |
| 2022 | 98.2 | 96.4 |
| 2023 | 98.4 | 96.3 |
| 2024 | 95.0 | 96.1 |
Housing (rents)
- Phoenix, AZ
- Fort Collins, CO
US = 100
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by metropolitan area, 2024 (US = 100).
Show the numbers
| Phoenix, AZ | Fort Collins, CO | |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 113.7 | 98.8 |
| 2009 | 107.7 | 116.0 |
| 2010 | 103.0 | 114.7 |
| 2011 | 103.0 | 111.9 |
| 2012 | 102.7 | 121.4 |
| 2013 | 100.0 | 123.9 |
| 2014 | 101.4 | 121.7 |
| 2015 | 101.2 | 123.7 |
| 2016 | 100.6 | 126.6 |
| 2017 | 103.3 | 132.4 |
| 2018 | 104.4 | 136.8 |
| 2019 | 106.4 | 132.3 |
| 2020 | 111.2 | 119.5 |
| 2021 | 116.1 | 128.6 |
| 2022 | 122.8 | 130.1 |
| 2023 | 124.3 | 116.8 |
| 2024 | 121.2 | 120.6 |
Utilities
- Phoenix, AZ
- Fort Collins, CO
US = 100
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by metropolitan area, 2024 (US = 100).
Show the numbers
| Phoenix, AZ | Fort Collins, CO | |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 100.3 | 79.3 |
| 2009 | 98.2 | 80.3 |
| 2010 | 106.1 | 89.8 |
| 2011 | 105.1 | 92.8 |
| 2012 | 99.0 | 95.8 |
| 2013 | 98.0 | 92.9 |
| 2014 | 98.3 | 97.4 |
| 2015 | 99.6 | 95.9 |
| 2016 | 95.7 | 89.8 |
| 2017 | 99.6 | 86.5 |
| 2018 | 104.7 | 80.2 |
| 2019 | 92.8 | 84.2 |
| 2020 | 89.8 | 83.0 |
| 2021 | 89.9 | 78.9 |
| 2022 | 88.2 | 84.0 |
| 2023 | 83.1 | 78.6 |
| 2024 | 93.3 | 82.2 |
Other services
- Phoenix, AZ
- Fort Collins, CO
US = 100
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by metropolitan area, 2024 (US = 100).
Show the numbers
| Phoenix, AZ | Fort Collins, CO | |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 103.3 | 98.5 |
| 2009 | 102.7 | 101.4 |
| 2010 | 103.4 | 100.0 |
| 2011 | 100.0 | 103.7 |
| 2012 | 97.8 | 103.0 |
| 2013 | 100.7 | 101.4 |
| 2014 | 99.2 | 101.8 |
| 2015 | 97.9 | 100.1 |
| 2016 | 102.6 | 99.4 |
| 2017 | 99.6 | 100.2 |
| 2018 | 100.6 | 95.6 |
| 2019 | 102.3 | 96.5 |
| 2020 | 101.7 | 94.7 |
| 2021 | 98.3 | 91.1 |
| 2022 | 103.4 | 91.6 |
| 2023 | 104.5 | 93.1 |
| 2024 | 104.0 | 99.8 |
Rent and home values
Typical asking rent: $1,973 in Fort Collins vs $1,720 in Phoenix
Typical asking rent for a new lease, dollars per month. Quarterly.
- Phoenix, AZ
- Fort Collins, CO
- United States
Source: Zillow Observed Rent Index (typical asking rent, all homes, smoothed), through September 2026. Data Provided by Zillow Group.
Show the numbers
| Phoenix, AZ | Fort Collins, CO | United States | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2015 | $923 | $1,237 | $1,145 |
| Jun 2015 | $945 | $1,264 | $1,170 |
| Sep 2015 | $949 | $1,275 | $1,181 |
| Dec 2015 | $956 | $1,270 | $1,182 |
| Mar 2016 | $973 | $1,309 | $1,195 |
| Jun 2016 | $994 | $1,331 | $1,219 |
| Sep 2016 | $1,001 | $1,308 | $1,225 |
| Dec 2016 | $1,003 | $1,282 | $1,222 |
| Mar 2017 | $1,030 | $1,339 | $1,245 |
| Jun 2017 | $1,055 | $1,375 | $1,270 |
| Sep 2017 | $1,065 | $1,356 | $1,276 |
| Dec 2017 | $1,071 | $1,328 | $1,275 |
| Mar 2018 | $1,094 | $1,394 | $1,296 |
| Jun 2018 | $1,127 | $1,418 | $1,320 |
| Sep 2018 | $1,144 | $1,403 | $1,327 |
| Dec 2018 | $1,158 | $1,414 | $1,329 |
| Mar 2019 | $1,180 | $1,456 | $1,349 |
| Jun 2019 | $1,216 | $1,466 | $1,376 |
| Sep 2019 | $1,235 | $1,456 | $1,383 |
| Dec 2019 | $1,251 | $1,447 | $1,381 |
| Mar 2020 | $1,276 | $1,487 | $1,402 |
| Jun 2020 | $1,281 | $1,495 | $1,406 |
| Sep 2020 | $1,327 | $1,492 | $1,410 |
| Dec 2020 | $1,363 | $1,491 | $1,407 |
| Mar 2021 | $1,411 | $1,527 | $1,443 |
| Jun 2021 | $1,519 | $1,589 | $1,512 |
| Sep 2021 | $1,633 | $1,639 | $1,590 |
| Dec 2021 | $1,675 | $1,664 | $1,622 |
| Mar 2022 | $1,706 | $1,691 | $1,661 |
| Jun 2022 | $1,731 | $1,742 | $1,721 |
| Sep 2022 | $1,727 | $1,780 | $1,748 |
| Dec 2022 | $1,701 | $1,775 | $1,735 |
| Mar 2023 | $1,719 | $1,813 | $1,757 |
| Jun 2023 | $1,727 | $1,846 | $1,785 |
| Sep 2023 | $1,725 | $1,863 | $1,797 |
| Dec 2023 | $1,701 | $1,871 | $1,786 |
| Mar 2024 | $1,717 | $1,883 | $1,807 |
| Jun 2024 | $1,730 | $1,934 | $1,837 |
| Sep 2024 | $1,726 | $1,912 | $1,845 |
| Dec 2024 | $1,703 | $1,874 | $1,836 |
| Mar 2025 | $1,721 | $1,924 | $1,860 |
| Jun 2025 | $1,716 | $1,969 | $1,880 |
| Sep 2025 | $1,703 | $1,942 | $1,881 |
| Dec 2025 | $1,691 | $1,895 | $1,873 |
| Mar 2026 | $1,706 | $1,978 | $1,894 |
| Jun 2026 | $1,714 | $2,001 | $1,921 |
| Sep 2026 | $1,720 | $1,973 | $1,932 |
Typical home value: $546,000 in Fort Collins vs $441,000 in Phoenix
Typical home value, dollars. Quarterly.
- Phoenix, AZ
- Fort Collins, CO
- United States
Source: Zillow Home Value Index (typical home value, middle tier, smoothed, seasonally adjusted), through September 2026. Data Provided by Zillow Group.
Show the numbers
| Phoenix, AZ | Fort Collins, CO | United States | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2015 | $209K | $295K | $189K |
| Jun 2015 | $214K | $303K | $192K |
| Sep 2015 | $219K | $314K | $195K |
| Dec 2015 | $226K | $322K | $199K |
| Mar 2016 | $232K | $332K | $202K |
| Jun 2016 | $234K | $341K | $204K |
| Sep 2016 | $238K | $347K | $206K |
| Dec 2016 | $241K | $354K | $209K |
| Mar 2017 | $245K | $364K | $213K |
| Jun 2017 | $249K | $371K | $216K |
| Sep 2017 | $254K | $374K | $219K |
| Dec 2017 | $258K | $379K | $223K |
| Mar 2018 | $263K | $387K | $227K |
| Jun 2018 | $268K | $392K | $230K |
| Sep 2018 | $274K | $396K | $234K |
| Dec 2018 | $278K | $399K | $236K |
| Mar 2019 | $283K | $405K | $239K |
| Jun 2019 | $286K | $411K | $242K |
| Sep 2019 | $289K | $413K | $244K |
| Dec 2019 | $295K | $416K | $247K |
| Mar 2020 | $305K | $421K | $252K |
| Jun 2020 | $312K | $422K | $255K |
| Sep 2020 | $321K | $427K | $260K |
| Dec 2020 | $339K | $441K | $271K |
| Mar 2021 | $358K | $456K | $282K |
| Jun 2021 | $388K | $479K | $296K |
| Sep 2021 | $417K | $497K | $306K |
| Dec 2021 | $438K | $511K | $314K |
| Mar 2022 | $463K | $538K | $330K |
| Jun 2022 | $493K | $566K | $346K |
| Sep 2022 | $490K | $559K | $348K |
| Dec 2022 | $465K | $553K | $345K |
| Mar 2023 | $447K | $547K | $343K |
| Jun 2023 | $448K | $544K | $347K |
| Sep 2023 | $456K | $549K | $352K |
| Dec 2023 | $460K | $549K | $354K |
| Mar 2024 | $463K | $551K | $357K |
| Jun 2024 | $466K | $555K | $361K |
| Sep 2024 | $463K | $555K | $361K |
| Dec 2024 | $461K | $558K | $363K |
| Mar 2025 | $456K | $556K | $364K |
| Jun 2025 | $451K | $550K | $362K |
| Sep 2025 | $446K | $547K | $362K |
| Dec 2025 | $446K | $549K | $364K |
| Mar 2026 | $447K | $547K | $366K |
| Jun 2026 | $443K | $543K | $365K |
| Sep 2026 | $441K | $546K | $366K |
More about each city
- Cost of living in Phoenix, AZ
- Cost of living in Fort Collins, CO
- Reverse: moving from Fort Collins to Phoenix
Related comparisons
What this comparison leaves out
- Taxes. State and local income, sales and property taxes can change the result a lot, especially between states.
- Neighborhoods. These are metro-wide averages; a city center and its outer suburbs can differ by more than two metros do.
- Your own spending mix. The default uses an average household. Use the housing slider above if rent is a bigger share of your budget.
- Timing. BEA price levels are for 2024; Zillow figures are monthly and newer.