Cost of Living in Fort Collins, Colorado, United States

Are you considering a move to Fort Collins, Colorado, United States, and wondering about the cost of living? Fort Collins, Colorado is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Fort Collins, Colorado and help you understand whether $3550 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $4647.29.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Fort Collins, Colorado, United States
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

21.0 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

74.5 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

12.0 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

6.0 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

7.0 $

Cappuccino (regular)

5.0 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

3.66 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

3.42 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

0.97 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

3.65 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

8.34 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

4.43 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

11.76 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

11.29 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

18.45 $

Apples (1 lb)

5.22 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.47 $

Oranges (1 lb)

4.4 $

Tomato (1 lb)

4.31 $

Potato (1 lb)

1.98 $

Onion (1 lb)

1.92 $

Lettuce (1 head)

2.68 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

1.83 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

18.0 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

1.73 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

2.97 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

9.38 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

2.5 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

25.0 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

3.25 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

1.4 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

11.0 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

0.97 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

32499.5 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

29074.67 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

183.99 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

--

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

92.0 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

--

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

15.0 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

10.0 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

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

1400.0 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

14400.0 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

66.67 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

76.0 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

95.0 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

125.0 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

1750.0 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

1300.0 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

2975.0 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

2366.67 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

4815.06 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

2604.87 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

4647.29 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

6.7 %

Cost of Living in Fort Collins, Colorado, United States

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly cost of living in Fort Collins, Colorado?

The monthly expenses for living in Fort Collins, Colorado come to a total of approximately $3550. This includes an average monthly rent of around $1750 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $229 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $940 per month.

How affordable is living in Fort Collins, Colorado?

Living in Fort Collins, Colorado appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $4647.29. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Fort Collins, Colorado, you would likely need an income exceeding $4647.29.

What is the average salary in Fort Collins, Colorado?

In Fort Collins, Colorado, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $4647.29, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.

What is the average rent in Fort Collins, Colorado?

The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Fort Collins, Colorado is approximately $1750. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $1300.0 for such an apartment.

What is the cost of groceries in Fort Collins, Colorado?

The expense for groceries in Fort Collins, Colorado can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $784 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.

What is the cost of living in United States?

The cost of living in United States can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout United States.

Fort Collins, Colorado, United States

How Safe Is Fort Collins, Colorado, United States for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Fort Collins, Colorado, United States

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk here with crime rates that are historically low and so much to do, you'll want to take a few more days off work to explore it all.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Transfort is the public bus system here, and as of Fall 2022, it's free. Fare collections are suspended, and there's no indication when that will resume. Bicycles are a great way to get around, and plenty of rental, loan and share programs are available. Taxis and rideshares are also available, and plenty of rental cars are ready for you at DIA.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

There's a low risk here, with just half a dozen pickpockets or purse snatchings reported in 2020. You definitely don't need a designed bag here. A backpack is a great way to carry around your stuff safely.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

You can't be a ski town without a lot of winter weather, so blizzards, ice storms, and snow storms are likely each winter. Spring through fall can bring tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and flash flooding. Flooding can be especially dangerous when it sweeps through an area previously hit by wildfires. In July of 2022, two people drowned after a flash flood came through a camping area just outside of FoCo. Wildfires are yet another concern. There's a great emergency management plan in place for all these risks, but you definitely need to know how to handle a variety of weather events here.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

This is another low risk. Violent crime is actually down in FoCo, especially compared to most other cities where violent crime is rising. That doesn't mean there is no risk. You should still avoid dangerous activities like walking around at night alone.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

There's a low-risk FoCo would be a direct target. Denver is a much larger city and a more likely potential target.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

The city of Fort Collins lists several common scams on its website, but they are all focused on people who live there. The only scam a tourist should look out for is a home rental scam. This is when scammers post a fake rental listing on a website like Craigslist. They pressure people to wire money to reserve the home, but then the visitor arrives, and the home doesn't exist or belongs to someone else. Book your rentals through a local agency to avoid risking a scam.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women actually have a lower risk than men of being a victim of violent crime. There's a low risk here, but also a lot of ways to let your guard down with the great nightlife scene. Use all the proper precautions if you're enjoying the nightlife, and you should have no worries.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The 2021 Annual Water Quality Report shows full compliance and no violations. There's a low risk in the drinking water, and dozens of samples are done weekly to keep it that way.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

A U.S. Travel or Work Visa is required to get through Customs, but first, check if you're from a country eligible for the Visa Waiver Program. You can find that on the State Department's website. You'll also need a passport as a legal ID in America.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Denver International Airport is 90 minutes south. It's a major transportation hub, so the time you spend driving, you'll more than make up for it with direct flights. You can also get a shuttle to and from Fort Collins, but you have to schedule that ahead of time.

currency_exchange

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted as currency here, but credit card purchases can be made anywhere, and there is little need to carry cash. You shouldn't have any problems finding a bank to exchange the currency if needed.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a smart plan, especially when visiting a place with so much to do outdoors. You want to protect your valuables, your flight investment, and your health.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

You'll want to dress for each season with insulated outwear on top of proper layers of clothing - especially if you are skiing. Ski equipment can be rented here, and there are plenty of places to purchase additional warm clothing if necessary. Spring snow is abundant here, so don't start bringing t-shirts and shorts until summer. You'll want sunscreen as the elevation can cause the skin to burn faster.

Fort Collins, Colorado, United States

What about weather in Fort Collins, Colorado, United States ?
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 41°F 45°F 54°F 61°F 70°F 81°F 87°F 84°F 76°F 63°F 50°F 41°F
Temp 29°F 31°F 40°F 47°F 56°F 66°F 72°F 70°F 62°F 49°F 38°F 29°F
Low 20°F 23°F 30°F 37°F 46°F 54°F 59°F 58°F 49°F 39°F 28°F 20°F
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 5°C 7°C 12°C 16°C 21°C 27°C 30°C 28°C 24°C 17°C 10°C 5°C
Temp -1°C 0°C 4°C 8°C 13°C 18°C 22°C 21°C 16°C 9°C 3°C -1°C
Low -6°C -5°C -1°C 2°C 7°C 12°C 15°C 14°C 9°C 3°C -2°C -6°C

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