Moving from Colorado Springs, CO to Fort Collins, CO
The 128 mi from Colorado Springs to Fort Collins translate to about 2h 30m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — 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.
128 mi · 2h 30m by car · CO
Distance & route
| Route through | CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 25 |
| Major cities en route | Centennial, Aurora, Lakewood, Denver, Arvada |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Colorado Springs | Fort Collins | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.707 | 101.128 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.195 | 82.156 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 96.052 | 100.0 |
| Services | 116.207 | 120.592 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Colorado Springs (100.707) and Fort Collins (101.128) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Fort Collins: 0.4% above Colorado Springs on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Colorado Springs -2.2%, Fort Collins -1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Colorado Springs | Fort Collins |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 19°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.5" | 51.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 15.9" | 15.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 51.4 in of snowfall annually at Fort Collins.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: COLORADO SPRINGS MUNI AP, CO US, FT COLLINS, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Colorado Springs | Fort Collins |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 483,099 | 169,705 |
| Median household income | $83,198 | $83,598 |
| Median age | 35.6 | 30.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 34.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.4 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
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 20–30% 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 — 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 — 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
How does the job market in Fort Collins compare to Colorado Springs?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,820 in the Fort Collins MSA vs $49,310 in the Colorado Springs MSA, on total employment of 173,230 and 310,390 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Colorado Springs and Fort Collins?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.7°F in Fort Collins vs 50.5°F in Colorado Springs (0.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 51.4 in vs 32.5 in. Annual precipitation: 15.9 in vs 15.9 in.
When is the best time to move from Colorado Springs to Fort Collins?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 128 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Fort Collins more expensive than Colorado Springs?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fort Collins is 0.4% higher than Colorado Springs (101.128 vs 100.707, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Fort Collins compared to Colorado Springs?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $563,815 in Fort Collins vs $449,452 in Colorado Springs — a 25.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Colorado Springs vs Fort Collins?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $83,598 in Fort Collins vs $83,198 in Colorado Springs — a 0.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Fort Collins, CO from Colorado Springs, CO?
The driving distance is 128 mi and the route typically takes 2h 30m via I 25. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Colorado Springs.
City profiles: Colorado Springs, CO · Fort Collins, CO.