Moving from Fargo, ND to Fort Collins, CO
Relocating 850 mi from Fargo to Fort Collins is a 14h 51m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
850 mi Β· 14h 51m by car Β· CO β WY β NE β SD β ND
Distance & route
| Route through | CO β WY β NE β SD β ND |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 29, N-87 |
| Major cities en route | Greeley, Sioux Falls |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fargo | Fort Collins | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.871 | 101.128 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.324 | 82.156 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.654 | 96.052 | 100.0 |
| Services | 81.142 | 120.592 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 11.3% above Fargo β 90.871 β 101.128 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
11.3% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Fargo +4.2%, Fort Collins -1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fargo | Fort Collins |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 41Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | -2Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 51.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 24.4" | 15.9" |
Expect 9.3Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Heavy-snow city: expect 51.4 in of snowfall annually at Fort Collins.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FARGO 3S, ND US, FT COLLINS, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fargo | Fort Collins |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 129,064 | 169,705 |
| Median household income | $66,029 | $83,598 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 30.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29% | 34.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.2 | 2.4 |
Expect median household income to rise 11.3% β $66,029 β $83,598 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 North 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
- 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.
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
- I-29 and I-94 can close without notice in winter storms; travel bans are declared more than once most winters.
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
How does the job market in Fort Collins compare to Fargo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,820 in the Fort Collins MSA vs $48,110 in the Fargo MSA, on total employment of 173,230 and 145,680 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Fargo vs Fort Collins?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $83,598 in Fort Collins vs $66,029 in Fargo β a 26.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Fort Collins compared to Fargo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $563,815 in Fort Collins vs $314,973 in Fargo β a 79.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Fort Collins more expensive than Fargo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fort Collins is 11.3% higher than Fargo (101.128 vs 90.871, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Fort Collins, CO from Fargo, ND?
The driving distance is 850 mi and the route typically takes 14h 51m via I 90 and I 29. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Fargo 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 850 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fargo.
City profiles: Fargo, ND Β· Fort Collins, CO.