Moving from Fort Collins, CO to Ann Arbor, MI
A move from Fort Collins, CO to Ann Arbor, MI covers 1231 mi and around 21h 54m of driving through 7 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1231 mi · 21h 54m by car · CO → WY → NE → IA → IL → IN → MI
Distance & route
| Route through | CO → WY → NE → IA → IL → IN → MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 94, I 25 |
| Major cities en route | Greeley, Lincoln, Omaha, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Collins | Ann Arbor | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.128 | 100.88 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.156 | 98.184 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 93.711 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.592 | 125.3 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Ann Arbor and Fort Collins is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Ann Arbor is 0.2% below Fort Collins ($523,391 vs $563,815 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Fort Collins -1.4%, Ann Arbor +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Fort Collins | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 48°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 16°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 51.4" | 59.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 15.9" | 37.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Fort Collins (50.7°F) and Ann Arbor (48.2°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Ann Arbor averages 59.3 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: FT COLLINS, CO US, ANN ARBOR SE, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Collins | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,705 | 121,179 |
| Median household income | $83,598 | $81,089 |
| Median age | 30.6 | 27.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.3% | 30.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.43 |
Median household incomes in Fort Collins ($83,598) and Ann Arbor ($81,089) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Ann Arbor MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 29,010 | $50,890 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 25,400 | $81,710 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 24,670 | $42,280 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 15,280 | $32,120 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 13,740 | $36,520 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado and Michigan
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Michigan'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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Ann Arbor averages 59.3 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.
- Register to vote in Michigan after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Fort Collins to Ann Arbor?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1231 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Fort Collins vs Ann Arbor?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,089 in Ann Arbor vs $83,598 in Fort Collins — a 3.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Fort Collins and Ann Arbor?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 48.2°F in Ann Arbor vs 50.7°F in Fort Collins (2.5°F colder). Annual snowfall: 59.3 in vs 51.4 in. Annual precipitation: 37.9 in vs 15.9 in.
Is Ann Arbor more expensive than Fort Collins?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Ann Arbor is 0.2% lower than Fort Collins (100.88 vs 101.128, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Ann Arbor compared to Fort Collins?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $523,391 in Ann Arbor vs $563,815 in Fort Collins — a 7.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Ann Arbor compare to Fort Collins?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA vs $50,820 in the Fort Collins MSA, on total employment of 215,300 and 173,230 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Ann Arbor, MI from Fort Collins, CO?
The driving distance is 1231 mi and the route typically takes 21h 54m via I 80 and I 94. The trip crosses 7 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 Fort Collins.
City profiles: Fort Collins, CO · Ann Arbor, MI.