Moving from Sioux Falls, SD to Fort Collins, CO
A move from Sioux Falls, SD to Fort Collins, CO covers 623 mi and around 11h 20m of driving through 4 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.
623 mi Β· 11h 20m by car Β· SD β NE β WY β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | SD β NE β WY β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, SD 73, N-87 |
| Major cities en route | Greeley |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sioux Falls | Fort Collins | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.631 | 101.128 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.7 | 82.156 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.472 | 96.052 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.605 | 120.592 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 90.631 in Sioux Falls to 101.128 in Fort Collins, a 11.6% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Fort Collins: 11.6% above Sioux Falls on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Sioux Falls +1.5%, Fort Collins -1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sioux Falls | Fort Collins |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 7Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 51.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 28.3" | 15.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 51.4 in of snowfall annually at Fort Collins.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SIOUX FALLS WFO AP, SD US, FT COLLINS, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sioux Falls | Fort Collins |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,642 | 169,705 |
| Median household income | $74,714 | $83,598 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 30.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 34.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.4 |
Median household income in Fort Collins is 11.6% above Sioux Falls ($74,714 β $83,598, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Fort Collins MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 19,130 | $46,140 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 19,060 | $39,090 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 17,830 | $35,050 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 12,630 | $79,180 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 12,170 | $84,720 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between South Dakota and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
- 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Fort Collins averages 51.4 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Sioux Falls to Fort Collins?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 623 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Fort Collins, CO from Sioux Falls, SD?
The driving distance is 623 mi and the route typically takes 11h 20m via I 90 and SD 73. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Fort Collins compared to Sioux Falls?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $563,815 in Fort Collins vs $329,723 in Sioux Falls β a 71.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Sioux Falls vs Fort Collins?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $83,598 in Fort Collins vs $74,714 in Sioux Falls β a 11.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Fort Collins compare to Sioux Falls?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,820 in the Fort Collins MSA vs $45,440 in the Sioux Falls MSA, on total employment of 173,230 and 165,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Fort Collins more expensive than Sioux Falls?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fort Collins is 11.6% higher than Sioux Falls (101.128 vs 90.631, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Sioux Falls.
City profiles: Sioux Falls, SD Β· Fort Collins, CO.