Moving from Fort Collins, CO to Dayton, OH
The drive from Fort Collins, CO to Dayton, OH runs 1246 mi — about 22h 25m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1246 mi · 22h 25m by car · CO → KS → MO → IL → IN → OH
Distance & route
| Route through | CO → KS → MO → IL → IN → OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, I 25 |
| Major cities en route | Greeley, Westminster, Boulder, Lakewood, Arvada |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Collins | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.128 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.156 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.592 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 101.128 to 92.694, putting Dayton roughly 8.3% below Fort Collins on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Dayton: 8.3% below Fort Collins on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Fort Collins -1.4%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Fort Collins | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 20°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 51.4" | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 15.9" | 41.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 12.3 in of snowfall annually at Dayton.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: FT COLLINS, CO US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Collins | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,705 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $83,598 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 30.6 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.3% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.36 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 8.3% between Fort Collins and Dayton (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Dayton averages 12.3 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 Ohio after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Dayton more expensive than Fort Collins?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 8.3% lower than Fort Collins (92.694 vs 101.128, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Dayton, OH from Fort Collins, CO?
The driving distance is 1246 mi and the route typically takes 22h 25m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Fort Collins?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $563,815 in Fort Collins — a 75.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Fort Collins and Dayton?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.3°F in Dayton vs 50.7°F in Fort Collins (2.6°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 12.3 in vs 51.4 in. Annual precipitation: 41.7 in vs 15.9 in.
How does household income compare in Fort Collins vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $83,598 in Fort Collins — a 48.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Fort Collins to Dayton?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1246 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — 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 Fort Collins.
City profiles: Fort Collins, CO · Dayton, OH.