Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Fort Collins, CO
Relocating 789 mi from Cedar Rapids to Fort Collins is a 13h 55m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
789 mi Β· 13h 55m by car Β· CO β WY β NE β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | CO β WY β NE β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, US 30, I 25 |
| Major cities en route | Greeley, Lincoln, Omaha, Des Moines |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Fort Collins | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 101.128 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 82.156 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 96.052 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 120.592 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 13.7% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 13.7% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $204,112 to $563,815 moving to Fort Collins.
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Fort Collins -1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Fort Collins |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 51.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 15.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Cedar Rapids (48.3Β°F) and Fort Collins (50.7Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Fort Collins averages 51.4 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, FT COLLINS, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Fort Collins |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 169,705 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $83,598 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 30.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 34.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.4 |
Expect median household income to rise 13.7% β $67,859 β $83,598 per ACS 5-year estimates (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.
Moving between Iowa and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 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.
- Register to vote in Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Fort Collins compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,820 in the Fort Collins MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 173,230 and 140,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Fort Collins?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $83,598 in Fort Collins vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 23.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Fort Collins, CO from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 789 mi and the route typically takes 13h 55m via I 80 and US 30. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids 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 789 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Fort Collins more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fort Collins is 13.7% higher than Cedar Rapids (101.128 vs 88.963, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Fort Collins compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $563,815 in Fort Collins vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 176.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cedar Rapids.
City profiles: Cedar Rapids, IA Β· Fort Collins, CO.