57
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
62
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
It's a tie 2–2
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Fort Collins wins 2–2 overall (62/100)
💰 Fort Collins is more affordable
💼 Fort Collins has lower unemployment
🛡️ Denver has fewer disasters
📋 Denver vs Fort Collins — The Verdict
It's a close call — Denver (57.8/100) and Fort Collins (62/100) each win 2 categories. Housing costs are somewhat comparable, though Fort Collins edges out with slightly lower home prices. For safety-conscious movers, Denver has a notably lower disaster history with 8 fewer declarations in 20 years.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Fort Collins are 8% lower — a difference of $43,000 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Fort Collins saves you $89/month — that's $1,068 per year.
💵
Households in Denver earn $6,876 more per year (9% higher median income).
🛡️
Denver has experienced 8 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$540,400
$497,400
Median Rent /mo
$1,665
$1,576
Median Income
$85,853
$78,977
Housing costs are remarkably similar between these two cities — just 8% apart on median home values. Your decision here will likely come down to other factors like jobs and climate.
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
3.8%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
61 Moderate
61 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
6
14
Denver has a markedly lower disaster history — 8 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Denver to Fort Collins: Common Questions
Is Denver or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Fort Collins is more affordable overall. Home prices are $43,000 lower in Fort Collins. Monthly rent is $1,576 in Fort Collins vs $1,665 in Denver.
Does Denver or Fort Collins have better weather?
Denver scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Denver or Fort Collins better for finding a job?
Fort Collins currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 3.8% in Denver vs 3.8% in Fort Collins. Median household income is $85,853 in Denver and $78,977 in Fort Collins.
Which city is safer — Denver or Fort Collins?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Denver is safer. Denver has had 6 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 14 in Fort Collins. Denver scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Fort Collins.
Should I move from Denver to Fort Collins?
Based on our data, Fort Collins scores 62.0/100 vs Denver's 57.8/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Fort Collins is more affordable, while Denver has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.