Can A Carpenter Afford Rent in Fort Collins, CO?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 36.3% of gross income.
Fort Collins rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Colorado state estimate).
About rent and a carpenter salary
Carpenter pay sits modestly above the US median household income and covers comfortable rent in most lower- and mid-cost metros. Union carpenters in high-cost cities often earn well above the BLS mean. At the national-average carpenter salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,524 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Colorado cities have lower median rent than Fort Collins, which improves the affordability math on a carpenter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Fort Collins
View full rent data for Fort Collins, CO →Frequently asked questions
Can a carpenter afford rent in Fort Collins, CO?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,938 a month. A typical carpenter in Colorado earns about $63,987 a year, which makes that rent 36.3% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a carpenter afford in Fort Collins?
Using the 30% rule, a carpenter salary in Colorado (~$63,987/yr) supports up to $1,600 a month in rent. Fort Collins's current median rent is $1,938/mo, which is $338/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a carpenter work to cover rent in Fort Collins?
At an hourly equivalent of about $31 an hour, a carpenter in Colorado works roughly 63 hours a month to cover Fort Collins's median rent of $1,938.
Where is rent cheaper than Fort Collins for a carpenter?
Nearby Colorado cities with lower median rent include Johnstown ($1,937/mo), Meridian ($1,937/mo), Meridian ($1,937/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a carpenter salary.