Moving from Fort Collins, CO to Springfield, IL
The drive from Fort Collins, CO to Springfield, IL runs 921 mi β about 16h 28m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
921 mi Β· 16h 28m by car Β· CO β WY β NE β IA β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | CO β WY β NE β IA β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, US 36, I 29 |
| Major cities en route | Greeley, Lincoln |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Collins | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.128 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.156 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.592 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Springfield is 8.3% 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 Springfield is 8.3% below Fort Collins β $563,815 vs $163,198 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Fort Collins -1.4%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fort Collins | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 51.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 15.9" | 40.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Fort Collins (50.7Β°F) and Springfield (52.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FT COLLINS, CO US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Collins | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,705 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $83,598 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 30.6 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.3% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.24 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 8.3% between Fort Collins and Springfield (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Springfield MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,330 | $41,140 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 10,250 | $78,240 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,240 | $29,680 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 9,100 | $79,530 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 8,150 | $33,630 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
Is Springfield more expensive than Fort Collins?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 8.3% lower than Fort Collins (92.745 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 Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $83,598 in Fort Collins β a 21.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Fort Collins?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $563,815 in Fort Collins β a 71.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Fort Collins to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 921 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Springfield, IL from Fort Collins, CO?
The driving distance is 921 mi and the route typically takes 16h 28m via I 80 and US 36. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Fort Collins?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $50,820 in the Fort Collins MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 173,230 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
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· Springfield, IL.