Moving from Fort Collins, CO to Aurora, CO
The 72 mi from Fort Collins to Aurora translate to about 1h 19m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
72 mi Β· 1h 19m by car Β· CO
Distance & route
| Route through | CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 25, E470, CR 73 |
| Major cities en route | Centennial, Denver, Thornton, Lakewood, Arvada |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Collins | Aurora | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.128 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.156 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.592 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Aurora and Fort Collins are close on the overall BEA RPP (101.128 vs 105.782); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 4.6% lower in Aurora than Fort Collins as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Fort Collins -1.4%, Aurora -4.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fort Collins | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 51.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 15.9" | β |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 50.7Β°F vs 50.8Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FT COLLINS, CO US, CHERRY CREEK DAM, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Collins | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,705 | 390,201 |
| Median household income | $83,598 | $84,320 |
| Median age | 30.6 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.3% | 21.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.73 |
Household income lines up β $83,598 vs $84,320 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Aurora MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 173,910 | $49,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 172,890 | $48,280 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 164,250 | $84,370 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 140,150 | $36,010 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 129,510 | $45,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Aurora average 90Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Fort Collins vs Aurora?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $84,320 in Aurora vs $83,598 in Fort Collins β a 0.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Fort Collins to Aurora?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 72 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Aurora compare to Fort Collins?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Aurora MSA vs $50,820 in the Fort Collins MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 173,230 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Aurora compared to Fort Collins?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $463,081 in Aurora vs $563,815 in Fort Collins β a 17.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Aurora, CO from Fort Collins, CO?
The driving distance is 72 mi and the route typically takes 1h 19m via I 25 and E470. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Aurora more expensive than Fort Collins?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Aurora is 4.6% higher than Fort Collins (105.782 vs 101.128, 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 Fort Collins.
City profiles: Fort Collins, CO Β· Aurora, CO.