Moving from Fort Collins, CO to Garland, TX
Relocating 841 mi from Fort Collins to Garland is a 15h 29m drive through 3 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.
841 mi Β· 15h 29m by car Β· TX β OK β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 287, US 87, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | Dallas, Mesquite, Mckinney, Richardson, Allen |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Collins | Garland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.128 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.156 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.592 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 101.128 vs 103.09 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 1.9% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $563,815 to $286,805 moving to Garland.
YoY change: Fort Collins -1.4%, Garland -5.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fort Collins | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 51.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 15.9" | 41.9" |
Expect 15.1Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FT COLLINS, CO US, RICHARDSON, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Collins | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,705 | 245,298 |
| Median household income | $83,598 | $74,717 |
| Median age | 30.6 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.3% | 16.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 3.04 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 1.9% lower in Garland than Fort Collins.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Garland MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Garland average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (15.1Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Garland more expensive than Fort Collins?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Garland is 1.9% higher than Fort Collins (103.09 vs 101.128, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Fort Collins to Garland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 841 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 Fort Collins vs Garland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $74,717 in Garland vs $83,598 in Fort Collins β a 10.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Garland, TX from Fort Collins, CO?
The driving distance is 841 mi and the route typically takes 15h 29m via US 287 and US 87. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Garland compare to Fort Collins?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Garland MSA vs $50,820 in the Fort Collins MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 173,230 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Garland compared to Fort Collins?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $286,805 in Garland vs $563,815 in Fort Collins β a 49.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fort Collins.
City profiles: Fort Collins, CO Β· Garland, TX.