Cost of Living in Fort Collins, CO - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $2,415 monthly including rent, or $1,031 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $3,658 with rent, or $1,754 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $4,901 including rent, or $2,477 for daily expenses alone.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$18.13 $18.13

$11.08 $11.08

$35.26 $35.26

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$72.4 $72.4

$40.21 $40.21

$90.5 $90.5

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$11.55 $11.55

$10.05 $10.05

$12.05 $12.05

Cappuccino

$4.95 $4.95

$4.10 $4.10

$7.18 $7.18

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.03 $2.03

$1.52 $1.52

$6.08 $6.08

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.41 $2.41

$1.98 $1.98

$4.95 $4.95

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$6.94 $6.94

$4.46 $4.46

$6.94 $6.94

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.35 $6.35

$4.89 $4.89

$7.33 $7.33

Milk (1 liter)

$1.01 $1.01

$0.85 $0.85

$1.29 $1.29

White Bread (500g)

$3.16 $3.16

$1.69 $1.69

$6.77 $6.77

Rice (white) (1kg)

$3.16 $3.16

$2.14 $2.14

$17.16 $17.16

Eggs

$4.26 $4.26

$2.06 $2.06

$6.18 $6.18

Local Cheese (1kg)

$10.86 $10.86

$8.69 $8.69

$13.04 $13.04

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.47 $8.47

$6.08 $6.08

$16.28 $16.28

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$16.83 $16.83

$13.47 $13.47

$22.45 $22.45

Apples (1kg)

$3.83 $3.83

$3.24 $3.24

$6.51 $6.51

Banana (1kg)

$1.51 $1.51

$1.09 $1.09

$1.74 $1.74

Oranges (1kg)

$4.35 $4.35

$3.32 $3.32

$5.55 $5.55

Tomato (1kg)

$5.04 $5.04

$3.32 $3.32

$8.83 $8.83

Potato (1kg)

$2.27 $2.27

$1.73 $1.73

$3.25 $3.25

Onion (1kg)

$1.90 $1.90

$1.74 $1.74

$3.28 $3.28

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.49 $2.49

$2.02 $2.02

$3.03 $3.03

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.03 $2.03

$1.02 $1.02

$2.54 $2.54

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.56 $9.56

$9.06 $9.06

$10.06 $10.06

Wine (Bottle)

$17.65 $17.65

$14.71 $14.71

$19.61 $19.61

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.23 $2.23

$1.72 $1.72

$2.84 $2.84

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.69 $2.69

$1.48 $1.48

$3.94 $3.94

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.98 $1.98

$1.24 $1.24

$1.98 $1.98

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.52 $2.52

$5.03 $5.03

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.43 $1.43

$2.22 $2.22

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$24.71 $24.71

$34.60 $34.60

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.82 $0.82

$0.70 $0.70

$0.90 $0.90

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$27.4K $27.4K

$23.8K $23.8K

$35.7K $35.7K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.4K $25.4K

$24.9K $24.9K

$26.2K $26.2K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$166 $166

$114 $114

$242 $242

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$43.15 $43.15

$15.05 $15.05

$50.2 $50.2

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$77.9 $77.9

$60.9 $60.9

$127 $127

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$60.2 $60.2

$40.13 $40.13

$80.3 $80.3

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$15.09 $15.09

Cinema Ticket

$11.97 $11.97

$10.47 $10.47

$17.95 $17.95

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,522 $1,522

$1,048 $1,048

$1,996 $1,996

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$12.6K $12.6K

$27.5K $27.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$67.1 $67.1

$49.72 $49.72

$79.6 $79.6

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$92.5 $92.5

$40.36 $40.36

$151 $151

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$79.1 $79.1

$69.2 $69.2

$98.9 $98.9

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$109 $109

$101 $101

$126 $126

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,773 $1,773

$1,491 $1,491

$2,187 $2,187

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,257 $1,257

$1,005 $1,005

$1,810 $1,810

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,827 $2,827

$2,248 $2,248

$3,996 $3,996

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,298 $2,298

$2,016 $2,016

$3,024 $3,024

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$3,029 $3,029

$2,986 $2,986

$4,921 $4,921

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,972 $2,972

$2,929 $2,929

$3,755 $3,755

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,436 $4,436

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.59

6.19

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: April 11, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $1,773 for a central one-bedroom, or $1,257 outside the center. At around 40% of the average salary ($4,436), rent noticeably above the typical 30% rent-to-income guideline.

Average take-home pay sits at $4,436, while typical expenses reach $2,415. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.

Expect to spend about $364 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $72 for two.

Public transport is priced at around $0 per month.

Cost Highlights

Internet is more expensive than 91% of cities in North America

Fort Collins, CO is more expensive than 79% globally but cheaper than 56% within North America.

Fort Collins, CO Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Fort Collins, CO - Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins offers a balanced blend of small-city amenities and easy access to the outdoors, with affordability that appeals to travelers, expats, and digital nomads who value stability over speed. Housing is the main driver of costs here, often more affordable than Boulder or downtown Denver but still a consideration for long stays. Groceries and dining options range from casual to craft-focused experiences, helping you balance expenses. The climate and bike-friendly streets support low-transport costs if cycling or staying near transit hubs. Cost of Living in Fort Collins, CO, United States reflects that mix. Tip: Plan your budgeting around housing and seasonal interests to maximize value.

Day-to-day life in Fort Collins blends outdoor access with practical city living. When you search for housing, look in Old Town for walkability, campus-adjacent areas for balance, and quieter neighborhoods toward the foothills for value. Fort Collins, CO living cost varies by area, so offset rent with groceries and occasional dining at casual spots. Food options range from farmers markets and co-ops to neighborhood bistros, while bike lanes and reliable bus service keep errands doable without a car. For work, several coworking spaces and cafés suit flexible schedules. Weekend recreation is easy, from hikes to brewery strolls, with seasonal events boosting local flavor. Tip: make a weekly route plan to save time and fuel.

Quality of life in Fort Collins centers on balance – outdoor access without sacrificing city conveniences. A simple budgeting framework prioritizes housing first, then essentials, and finally discretionary spends, with savings tucked in for seasonal changes. In winter, heating needs and cozy indoor options shape activities; in summer, outdoor festivals and markets take center stage. Neighborhood fit matters: Old Town for walkability and nightlife, Westside for quieter streets, and east-side areas for campus access. Save by leveraging community resources, shopping at co-ops, and choosing multi-use spaces for work and social life. Tip: stack errands to minimize trips and explore free community events.

Living in Fort Collins, CO doesn't come cheap – monthly expenses with rent reach $2,415, putting it among the pricier cities worldwide. Housing dominates the cost, but food, services, and leisure all sit above the global median too.

Budget at least $2,415 per month to live in Fort Collins, CO once rent is factored in. The high price tag reflects quality infrastructure and a strong economy, but it does mean you need a decent income to live comfortably here.

Earning $3,623 monthly in Fort Collins, CO means you're living well – a one-bedroom, regular groceries, transport, and some entertainment without stress. That's the threshold where most residents feel genuinely comfortable rather than just getting by.

Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Fort Collins, CO range from $1,257 to $1,773, depending on location and condition. Central apartments sit at the top of that range; outer neighborhoods and suburbs deliver noticeably better value per square meter.

Childcare averages $1,522 monthly at a private kindergarten in Fort Collins, CO. For many families, this single cost rivals rent, so it's essential to factor in before making a move.

A single person's grocery bill in Fort Collins, CO runs about $364 monthly, which is above average. Everything from dairy and meat to fresh produce costs more here, reflecting the city's overall high price level.

At $2,415 in typical monthly expenses, a $1,500 budget barely covers Fort Collins, CO. You'd need a shared flat in an outer area, home-cooked meals, and serious discipline with discretionary spending to make it work.

Expats in Fort Collins, CO enjoy fast internet, low crime rates, vibrant nightlife, and monthly costs average around $2,415. The international crowd is active and welcoming, and practical stuff – bank accounts, apartment hunting, healthcare – is all manageable with some basic prep.