Moving from Fort Collins, CO to Colorado Springs, CO
The 128 mi from Fort Collins to Colorado Springs 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
| Fort Collins | Colorado Springs | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.128 | 100.707 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.156 | 83.195 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 96.052 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.592 | 116.207 | 100.0 |
Colorado Springs and Fort Collins are close on the overall BEA RPP (101.128 vs 100.707); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Colorado Springs typical home at $449,452 is 0.4% under Fort Collins at $563,815 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Fort Collins -1.4%, Colorado Springs -2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Fort Collins | Colorado Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 51.4" | 32.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 15.9" | 15.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 50.7°F vs 50.5°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Colorado Springs sees 32.5 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: FT COLLINS, CO US, COLORADO SPRINGS MUNI AP, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Collins | Colorado Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,705 | 483,099 |
| Median household income | $83,598 | $83,198 |
| Median age | 30.6 | 35.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.3% | 25.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.44 |
Household income lines up — $83,598 vs $83,198 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Colorado Springs MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 36,150 | $44,860 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 31,520 | $34,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 30,370 | $38,520 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 26,830 | $79,240 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 21,400 | $37,380 |
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: Colorado Springs averages 32.5 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 far is Colorado Springs, CO from Fort Collins, 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.
Is Colorado Springs more expensive than Fort Collins?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Colorado Springs is 0.4% lower than Fort Collins (100.707 vs 101.128, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Fort Collins and Colorado Springs?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.5°F in Colorado Springs vs 50.7°F in Fort Collins (0.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 32.5 in vs 51.4 in. Annual precipitation: 15.9 in vs 15.9 in.
How much do homes cost in Colorado Springs compared to Fort Collins?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $449,452 in Colorado Springs vs $563,815 in Fort Collins — a 20.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Fort Collins vs Colorado Springs?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $83,198 in Colorado Springs vs $83,598 in Fort Collins — a 0.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Colorado Springs compare to Fort Collins?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,310 in the Colorado Springs MSA vs $50,820 in the Fort Collins MSA, on total employment of 310,390 and 173,230 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Fort Collins to Colorado Springs?
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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fort Collins.
City profiles: Fort Collins, CO · Colorado Springs, CO.