Moving from Fort Collins, CO to Montgomery, AL
A move from Fort Collins, CO to Montgomery, AL covers 1472 mi and around 25h 34m 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.
1472 mi Β· 25h 34m by car Β· AL β MS β TN β AR β OK β KS β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β MS β TN β AR β OK β KS β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, I 40 |
| Major cities en route | Birmingham, Memphis, Little Rock, Tulsa, Broken Arrow |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Collins | Montgomery | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.128 | 89.682 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.156 | 84.907 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.592 | 64.347 | 100.0 |
Montgomery is 11.3% cheaper than Fort Collins overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Montgomery is 11.3% below Fort Collins β $563,815 vs $151,228 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Fort Collins -1.4%, Montgomery +1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fort Collins | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 68Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 40Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 51.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 15.9" | 51.8" |
Montgomery runs 17.2Β°F warmer on the annual average (50.7Β°F vs 67.9Β°F) β a climate shift you will feel in cooling bills and wardrobe alike.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FT COLLINS, CO US, MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Collins | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,705 | 198,440 |
| Median household income | $83,598 | $55,687 |
| Median age | 30.6 | 36.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.3% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.46 |
Median household income in Montgomery is 11.3% below Fort Collins ($83,598 vs $55,687, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Montgomery MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 20,200 | $37,110 |
| Production Occupations | 16,130 | $39,630 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 15,580 | $35,980 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 14,470 | $30,040 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 14,170 | $24,070 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado and Alabama
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Alabama'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
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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 Montgomery average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Montgomery averages 51.8 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (17.2Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November on the Gulf Coast.
- 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 Alabama after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Montgomery compared to Fort Collins?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $151,228 in Montgomery vs $563,815 in Fort Collins β a 73.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Fort Collins to Montgomery?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1472 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Montgomery compare to Fort Collins?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA vs $50,820 in the Fort Collins MSA, on total employment of 160,840 and 173,230 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Montgomery more expensive than Fort Collins?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Montgomery is 11.3% lower than Fort Collins (89.682 vs 101.128, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Fort Collins vs Montgomery?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,687 in Montgomery vs $83,598 in Fort Collins β a 33.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Montgomery, AL from Fort Collins, CO?
The driving distance is 1472 mi and the route typically takes 25h 34m via I 70 and US 40. 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 Β· Montgomery, AL.