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Colorado Springs vs Fort Collins: Full Comparison

Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data

Quick Answer

Fort Collins is 14% more expensive than Colorado Springs. Colorado Springs is 2% safer. Colorado Springs population: 494,743. Fort Collins population: 171,500.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingColorado Springs
SafetyTie
HousingColorado Springs

Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.

Cost of Living: Colorado Springs vs Fort Collins

Colorado Springs is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 110 vs 125 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 15 index points.

CategoryColorado SpringsFort Collins
Overall Index110125
Housing$2,581/moIndex: 145$3,204/moIndex: 180
Groceries$418/moIndex: 102$431/moIndex: 105
Transportation$368/moIndex: 105$368/moIndex: 105
Healthcare$333/moIndex: 104$333/moIndex: 104
Utilities$194/moIndex: 88$194/moIndex: 88

Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.

Safety: Colorado Springs vs Fort Collins

Colorado Springs is 2% safer overall, with a crime rate of 24.6 per 1,000 residents vs Fort Collins's 25. Colorado Springs earns a C+ safety grade compared to Fort Collins's C+. Based on 2023 FBI data.

C+

Colorado Springs

Colorado

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate24.6/1K
TrendImproving
C+

Fort Collins

Colorado

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC
Property CrimeC+
Crime Rate25/1K
TrendStable
MetricColorado SpringsFort Collins
Overall Crime Rate24.6/1K25/1K
Violent Crime Rate485.0460.2
Property Crime Rate1971.72043.6
Murder Rate7.88.6
Assault Rate310.0287.2
Robbery Rate122.7104.2
Burglary Rate346.6232.5
Theft Rate1508.41535.4
Vehicle Theft Rate368.6259.1

Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).

Victim Odds

In Colorado Springs, you have a 1 in 41 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 40 in Fort Collins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Colorado Springs cheaper than Fort Collins?
Colorado Springs is 14% more affordable than Fort Collins, with a cost of living index of 110 vs 125 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $2,581/mo in Colorado Springs vs $3,204/mo in Fort Collins.
Is Colorado Springs safer than Fort Collins?
Colorado Springs is 2% safer overall, with a crime rate of 24.6 per 1,000 residents vs Fort Collins's 25. Colorado Springs earns a C+ safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Should I move to Colorado Springs or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Colorado Springs is safer (C+ grade). Colorado Springs is more affordable (index 110 vs 125). Colorado Springs has a population of 494,743 and Fort Collins has 171,500. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is Colorado Springs compared to Fort Collins?
Colorado Springs has a population of 494,743 and Fort Collins has 171,500. Colorado Springs is 188% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in Colorado Springs or Fort Collins?
Housing is cheaper in Colorado Springs. Estimated monthly housing costs: Colorado Springs $2,581/mo vs Fort Collins $3,204/mo. That's based on a housing index of 145 vs 180 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

C+
Colorado Springs Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
C+
Fort Collins Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
Salary CalculatorClimate Compare ToolSafety Comparison Tool

Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.

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