Moving from Fort Collins, CO to Lubbock, TX
A move from Fort Collins, CO to Lubbock, TX covers 597 mi and around 11h 5m of driving through 3 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.
597 mi Β· 11h 5m by car Β· TX β OK β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 287, US 87, I 27 |
| Major cities en route | Amarillo, Aurora, Denver, Centennial, Thornton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Collins | Lubbock | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.128 | 91.317 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.156 | 82.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.592 | 76.357 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Lubbock are 9.7% below Fort Collins β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Lubbock typical home at $209,436 is 9.7% under Fort Collins at $563,815 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Fort Collins -1.4%, Lubbock +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fort Collins | Lubbock |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 30Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 51.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 15.9" | 19.4" |
Lubbock runs 11.1Β°F warmer on the annual average (50.7Β°F vs 61.8Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FT COLLINS, CO US, LUBBOCK WFO, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Collins | Lubbock |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,705 | 261,078 |
| Median household income | $83,598 | $60,487 |
| Median age | 30.6 | 30.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.3% | 20.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.48 |
Median household income in Lubbock is 9.7% below Fort Collins ($83,598 vs $60,487, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Lubbock MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 20,380 | $36,350 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 18,440 | $26,700 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 14,850 | $30,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 13,440 | $35,210 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 11,550 | $59,240 |
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 Lubbock average 93Β°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 (11.1Β°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 Lubbock more expensive than Fort Collins?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lubbock is 9.7% lower than Fort Collins (91.317 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 Lubbock?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 597 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 Lubbock?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,487 in Lubbock vs $83,598 in Fort Collins β a 27.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Lubbock compare to Fort Collins?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $37,640 in the Lubbock MSA vs $50,820 in the Fort Collins MSA, on total employment of 150,730 and 173,230 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Lubbock, TX from Fort Collins, CO?
The driving distance is 597 mi and the route typically takes 11h 5m via US 287 and US 87. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Lubbock compared to Fort Collins?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $209,436 in Lubbock vs $563,815 in Fort Collins β a 62.9% 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· Lubbock, TX.