Moving from Fort Collins, CO to Toledo, OH
The drive from Fort Collins, CO to Toledo, OH runs 1231 mi β about 21h 57m 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.
1231 mi Β· 21h 57m by car Β· OH β IN β IL β IA β NE β WY β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL β IA β NE β WY β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 80 EXPRESS, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | South Bend, Chicago, Joliet, Naperville, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Collins | Toledo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.128 | 91.455 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.156 | 96.285 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.592 | 67.317 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 101.128 to 91.455, putting Toledo roughly 9.6% below Fort Collins on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Toledo: 9.6% below Fort Collins on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Fort Collins -1.4%, Toledo +5.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fort Collins | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 51.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 15.9" | 32.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FT COLLINS, CO US, TOLEDO METCALF FLD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Collins | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,705 | 268,461 |
| Median household income | $83,598 | $47,532 |
| Median age | 30.6 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.3% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.27 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 9.6% between Fort Collins and Toledo (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Toledo MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 33,160 | $39,900 |
| Production Occupations | 31,420 | $45,220 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 30,850 | $41,570 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 27,870 | $28,590 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 22,710 | $32,930 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- 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.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Toledo compare to Fort Collins?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,740 in the Toledo MSA vs $50,820 in the Fort Collins MSA, on total employment of 290,070 and 173,230 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Fort Collins vs Toledo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $47,532 in Toledo vs $83,598 in Fort Collins β a 43.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Toledo more expensive than Fort Collins?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Toledo is 9.6% lower than Fort Collins (91.455 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 Toledo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1231 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Toledo compared to Fort Collins?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $129,627 in Toledo vs $563,815 in Fort Collins β a 77.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Toledo, OH from Fort Collins, CO?
The driving distance is 1231 mi and the route typically takes 21h 57m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. 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· Toledo, OH.