Average Rent in Fort Collins, CO↑ Rents rising 3.0% YoY🔺 9th priciest in CO

Fort Collins, CO has rental prices ranging from $1,434/month to $2,526/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,442/month — 3% above the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $91,364/year, spending $1,442/month on a 1-bedroom represents 19% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Fort Collins Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,695/month, Fort Collins ranks #9 most expensive of the 55 cities tracked in Colorado — pricier than 95% of all US cities in our data.

The Fort Collins Rental Market

The Fort Collins, CO area has a population of about 363,561 and 36% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Fort Collins, CO have risen by $49/month (3.0%) over the past year, from $1,646 to $1,695. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Fort Collins, CO without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $57,680. The local median household income of $91,364 exceeds that threshold by $33,684, making Fort Collins relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Fort Collins, CO is $568,335, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 27.9. With a break-even horizon of approximately 28 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Fort Collins's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are City Park Heights ($295,231 median home value), Westgate ($332,270 median home value), Scoth Pines ($346,722 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Fort Collins, CO Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Fort Collins?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Fort Collins

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.