Fort Collins, CO vs Highlands Ranch, CO

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Fort Collins is 21.5% cheaper than Highlands Ranch. With a cost index of 129 vs 165, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Fort Collins to Highlands Ranch should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month compared to $2,397/month in Highlands Ranch — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fort Collins is more affordable at $548,400 median vs $672,600.

Median household income in Fort Collins is $83,598 compared to $155,847 in Highlands Ranch (-46.4%). While Highlands Ranch is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Fort Collins spend roughly 23.8% of their income on rent, more than the 18.5% in Highlands Ranch.