Moving from Fort Collins, CO to Cambridge, MA
Cross-country relocations like Fort Collins, CO β Cambridge, MA cover 1979 mi and about 36h 4m of driving through 11 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1979 mi Β· 36h 4m by car Β· CO β WY β NE β IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | CO β WY β NE β IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 84 |
| 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
| Fort Collins | Cambridge | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.128 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.156 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.592 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Cambridge is 7.1% higher than Fort Collins, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Cambridge is 7.1% above Fort Collins β $563,815 vs $1,041,569 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Fort Collins -1.4%, Cambridge -1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fort Collins | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 51.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 15.9" | 49.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Fort Collins (50.7Β°F) and Cambridge (51.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FT COLLINS, CO US, JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Collins | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,705 | 117,794 |
| Median household income | $83,598 | $126,469 |
| Median age | 30.6 | 30.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.3% | 29.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.38 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 7.1% between Fort Collins and Cambridge (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Fort Collins vs Cambridge?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $126,469 in Cambridge vs $83,598 in Fort Collins β a 51.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Cambridge compared to Fort Collins?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,041,569 in Cambridge vs $563,815 in Fort Collins β a 84.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Fort Collins to Cambridge?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1979 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Cambridge more expensive than Fort Collins?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cambridge is 7.1% higher than Fort Collins (108.266 vs 101.128, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Cambridge, MA from Fort Collins, CO?
The driving distance is 1979 mi and the route typically takes 36h 4m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 11 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· Cambridge, MA.