Moving from Fort Collins, CO to Des Moines, IA
The drive from Fort Collins, CO to Des Moines, IA runs 674 mi — about 11h 41m 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.
674 mi · 11h 41m by car · IA → NE → WY → CO
Distance & route
| Route through | IA → NE → WY → CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80 EXPRESS, I 80, I 25 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Lincoln, Greeley |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Collins | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.128 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.156 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.592 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 101.128 to 91.701, putting Des Moines roughly 9.3% 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 Des Moines: 9.3% below Fort Collins on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Fort Collins -1.4%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Fort Collins | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 51.4" | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 15.9" | 36.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 36.5 in of snowfall annually at Des Moines.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: FT COLLINS, CO US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Collins | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,705 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $83,598 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 30.6 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.3% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.36 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 9.3% between Fort Collins and Des Moines (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Des Moines MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 48,550 | $46,670 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 35,680 | $36,420 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 34,890 | $78,150 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 33,360 | $45,430 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 30,210 | $30,100 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado and Iowa
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Iowa'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
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — 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 — 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: Des Moines averages 36.5 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornado season runs April through June — identify a safe room or interior space early.
- 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 Iowa after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Des Moines compare to Fort Collins?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA vs $50,820 in the Fort Collins MSA, on total employment of 383,190 and 173,230 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Fort Collins vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $83,598 in Fort Collins — a 23.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Fort Collins and Des Moines?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.9°F in Des Moines vs 50.7°F in Fort Collins (0.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 36.5 in vs 51.4 in. Annual precipitation: 36.6 in vs 15.9 in.
How much do homes cost in Des Moines compared to Fort Collins?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $563,815 in Fort Collins — a 63.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Fort Collins to Des Moines?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 674 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Des Moines more expensive than Fort Collins?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 9.3% lower than Fort Collins (91.701 vs 101.128, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Des Moines, IA from Fort Collins, CO?
The driving distance is 674 mi and the route typically takes 11h 41m via I 80 EXPRESS and I 80. The trip crosses 4 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 · Des Moines, IA.