47
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
62
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Fort Collins wins 3–2
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Fort Collins wins 2–3 overall (62/100)
💰 Fort Collins is more affordable
💼 Fort Collins has lower unemployment
🛡️ Fort Collins has fewer disasters
📋 Los Angeles vs Fort Collins — The Verdict
Fort Collins scores 62/100 compared to Los Angeles's 47.5/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Fort Collins has a clear edge with home prices 40% lower. Fort Collins has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 3.8%. For safety-conscious movers, Fort Collins has a notably lower disaster history with 40 fewer declarations in 20 years. Fort Collins may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Fort Collins are 40% lower — a difference of $325,200 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Fort Collins saves you $215/month — that's $2,580 per year.
📊
Fort Collins has a 1.7 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Fort Collins has experienced 40 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$822,600
$497,400
Median Rent /mo
$1,791
$1,576
Median Income
$76,244
$78,977
The affordability gap is significant — Fort Collins offers home prices 40% lower than Los Angeles, translating to $325,200 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
3.8%
Fort Collins has a substantially stronger job market with unemployment 1.7 percentage points lower. If you're relocating without a job lined up, this difference matters.
Air Quality (AQI)
0
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)
54
14
Fort Collins has a markedly lower disaster history — 40 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Los Angeles to Fort Collins: Common Questions
Is Los Angeles or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Fort Collins is more affordable overall. Home prices are $325,200 lower in Fort Collins. Monthly rent is $1,576 in Fort Collins vs $1,791 in Los Angeles.
Does Los Angeles or Fort Collins have better weather?
Los Angeles scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Los Angeles or Fort Collins better for finding a job?
Fort Collins currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 5.5% in Los Angeles vs 3.8% in Fort Collins. Median household income is $76,244 in Los Angeles and $78,977 in Fort Collins.
Which city is safer — Los Angeles or Fort Collins?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Fort Collins is safer. Los Angeles has had 54 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 14 in Fort Collins. Los Angeles scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Fort Collins.
Should I move from Los Angeles to Fort Collins?
Based on our data, Fort Collins scores 62.0/100 vs Los Angeles's 47.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Fort Collins is more affordable, while Los Angeles 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.