Moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Fort Collins, CO
A move from Ann Arbor, MI to Fort Collins, CO covers 1231 mi and around 21h 54m 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.
1231 mi · 21h 54m by car · CO → WY → NE → IA → IL → IN → MI
Distance & route
| Route through | CO → WY → NE → IA → IL → IN → MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 94, I 25 |
| Major cities en route | Greeley, Lincoln, Omaha, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Ann Arbor | Fort Collins | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.88 | 101.128 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 98.184 | 82.156 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.711 | 96.052 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.3 | 120.592 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Fort Collins and Ann Arbor is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Fort Collins is 0.2% above Ann Arbor ($563,815 vs $523,391 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Ann Arbor +3.2%, Fort Collins -1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Ann Arbor | Fort Collins |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 16°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 59.3" | 51.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.9" | 15.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Ann Arbor (48.2°F) and Fort Collins (50.7°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Fort Collins averages 51.4 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ANN ARBOR SE, MI US, FT COLLINS, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Ann Arbor | Fort Collins |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,179 | 169,705 |
| Median household income | $81,089 | $83,598 |
| Median age | 27.7 | 30.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.5% | 34.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.4 |
Median household incomes in Ann Arbor ($81,089) and Fort Collins ($83,598) are within a few percent (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 Michigan 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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 — check CDOT alerts before departure.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
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 — 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
How far is Fort Collins, CO from Ann Arbor, MI?
The driving distance is 1231 mi and the route typically takes 21h 54m via I 80 and I 94. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Fort Collins compared to Ann Arbor?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $563,815 in Fort Collins vs $523,391 in Ann Arbor — a 7.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Fort Collins more expensive than Ann Arbor?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fort Collins is 0.2% higher than Ann Arbor (101.128 vs 100.88, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor to Fort Collins?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% 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 — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Fort Collins compare to Ann Arbor?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,820 in the Fort Collins MSA vs $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA, on total employment of 173,230 and 215,300 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Ann Arbor vs Fort Collins?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $83,598 in Fort Collins vs $81,089 in Ann Arbor — a 3.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Ann Arbor and Fort Collins?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.7°F in Fort Collins vs 48.2°F in Ann Arbor (2.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 51.4 in vs 59.3 in. Annual precipitation: 15.9 in vs 37.9 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Ann Arbor.
City profiles: Ann Arbor, MI · Fort Collins, CO.