Moving from Fort Collins, CO to Chicago, IL
Relocating 1005 mi from Fort Collins to Chicago is a 17h 47m 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.
1005 mi Β· 17h 47m by car Β· IL β IA β NE β WY β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IA β NE β WY β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 80 EXPRESS, IL 110 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Joliet, Aurora, Elgin, Rockford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Collins | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.128 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.156 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.592 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 101.128 vs 103.595 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 2.4% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $563,815 to $317,283 moving to Chicago.
YoY change: Fort Collins -1.4%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fort Collins | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 51.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 15.9" | β |
Annual average temperatures in Fort Collins (50.7Β°F) and Chicago (50.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FT COLLINS, CO US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Collins | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,705 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $83,598 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 30.6 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.3% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.36 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 2.4% lower in Chicago than Fort Collins.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Chicago MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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-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.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Fort Collins to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1005 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Fort Collins vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $83,598 in Fort Collins β a 10.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Chicago compare to Fort Collins?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $50,820 in the Fort Collins MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 173,230 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Chicago, IL from Fort Collins, CO?
The driving distance is 1005 mi and the route typically takes 17h 47m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Chicago more expensive than Fort Collins?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 2.4% higher than Fort Collins (103.595 vs 101.128, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Chicago compared to Fort Collins?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $563,815 in Fort Collins β a 43.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
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· Chicago, IL.