Fort Collins, Colorado

What's the cost of living in Fort Collins, CO?

With many people looking to move into the area, median housing prices are high and expected to climb. However, homeowners in Colorado can expect to pay one of the lowest effective property tax rates in the country, and the average tax bill in Fort Collins is less than in nearby Boulder and Denver. Cost of living expenses in the state is on par with the national average for groceries and below the national average for utilities and transportation.

Colorado has a relatively low sales tax rate; however, Fort Collins and Larimer County each charge additional taxes. Some shopping areas in northern Colorado also charge an additional retail-development tax on top of the base rates.

Colorado has an income tax that most individuals and noncorporate businesses are subject to.

Looking for financial advice? Find a local financial advisor in Fort Collins, Colorado.

What's the best way to get around Fort Collins, CO?

Easy terrain, a trail system and dedicated lanes have made biking a popular mode of transportation within the city. A robust bike-share program has helped too, as has support from local businesses. For example, New Belgium Brewing gifts a custom bike to each employee after one year of service.

Parking and driving around the city is not hard, and the Transfort bus service is generally effective. The Old Town area features a large parking garage, and surrounding gathering spots have plenty of surface and lot space. One problem for residents during local commuting is the frequent crossing of trains through major junctions downtown. This can cause backups that usually last for 15 minutes but can stretch for hours if there are problems with the engines.

While many residents commute an hour each way to Denver, Boulder and other nearby communities for work, they increasingly find themselves trapped in gridlock – especially along the Interstate 25 corridor. Some mass transit options do exist, mostly in the form of ride-share and buses, but many are at capacity. The state and communities along the corridor, including Fort Collins, are working to address this issue through construction and planning.

Denver International Airport is just over an hour away, and much of the Front Range traffic to and around it can be bypassed by toll road. 

Getting to and from Colorado’s famed ski resorts in the winter is a challenge, no matter where you live in the state. From Fort Collins, you should expect to spend at least three hours door to door with heavy traffic and shifting weather conditions. A train to the slopes leaves regularly from Denver but books up well in advance.

Who lives in Fort Collins, CO?

Fort Collins is built around Colorado State University, the second-largest public school in the state. While many students are in town during the school year, recent growth has made the city less of a traditional college town. Lots of young families are moving to the area, with many working at the larger breweries, the university, or tech and innovation companies.