Moving from Aurora, CO to Fort Collins, CO
The 72 mi from Aurora to Fort Collins translate to about 1h 19m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
72 mi Β· 1h 19m by car Β· CO
Distance & route
| Route through | CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 25, E470, CR 73 |
| Major cities en route | Centennial, Denver, Thornton, Lakewood, Arvada |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Aurora | Fort Collins | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 101.128 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 82.156 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 96.052 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 120.592 | 100.0 |
Fort Collins and Aurora are close on the overall BEA RPP (105.782 vs 101.128); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Fort Collins typical home at $563,815 is 4.4% above Aurora at $463,081 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Aurora -4.3%, Fort Collins -1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Aurora | Fort Collins |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 51.4" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 15.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 50.8Β°F vs 50.7Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Fort Collins sees 51.4 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHERRY CREEK DAM, CO US, FT COLLINS, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Aurora | Fort Collins |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 390,201 | 169,705 |
| Median household income | $84,320 | $83,598 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 30.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.4% | 34.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.73 | 2.4 |
Household income lines up β $84,320 vs $83,598 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Fort Collins MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 19,130 | $46,140 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 19,060 | $39,090 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 17,830 | $35,050 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 12,630 | $79,180 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 12,170 | $84,720 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Fort Collins averages 51.4 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Aurora to Fort Collins?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 72 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Aurora vs Fort Collins?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $83,598 in Fort Collins vs $84,320 in Aurora β a 0.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Fort Collins more expensive than Aurora?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fort Collins is 4.4% lower than Aurora (101.128 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Fort Collins compared to Aurora?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $563,815 in Fort Collins vs $463,081 in Aurora β a 21.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Fort Collins, CO from Aurora, CO?
The driving distance is 72 mi and the route typically takes 1h 19m via I 25 and E470. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Fort Collins compare to Aurora?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,820 in the Fort Collins MSA vs $58,490 in the Aurora MSA, on total employment of 173,230 and 1,590,330 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Aurora.
City profiles: Aurora, CO Β· Fort Collins, CO.