Moving from Fort Collins, CO to Elizabeth, NJ
Cross-country relocations like Fort Collins, CO → Elizabeth, NJ cover 1774 mi and about 32h 5m of driving through 8 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.
1774 mi · 32h 5m by car · CO → NE → IA → IL → IN → OH → PA → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | CO → NE → IA → IL → IN → OH → PA → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 25 |
| 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 | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.128 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.156 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.592 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Elizabeth is 11.3% higher than Fort Collins, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Elizabeth is 11.3% below Fort Collins ($534,667 vs $563,815 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Fort Collins -1.4%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Fort Collins | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 56°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 26°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 51.4" | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 15.9" | 46.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Fort Collins (50.7°F) and Elizabeth (55.5°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Elizabeth averages 31.5 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: FT COLLINS, CO US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Collins | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,705 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $83,598 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 30.6 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.3% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.96 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 11.3% between Fort Collins and Elizabeth (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Elizabeth MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Elizabeth averages 31.5 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 New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Fort Collins?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 11.3% higher than Fort Collins (112.563 vs 101.128, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Fort Collins, CO?
The driving distance is 1774 mi and the route typically takes 32h 5m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Fort Collins?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $50,820 in the Fort Collins MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 173,230 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Fort Collins?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $563,815 in Fort Collins — a 5.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Fort Collins vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $83,598 in Fort Collins — a 23.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Fort Collins and Elizabeth?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.5°F in Elizabeth vs 50.7°F in Fort Collins (4.8°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 31.5 in vs 51.4 in. Annual precipitation: 46.6 in vs 15.9 in.
When is the best time to move from Fort Collins to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1774 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 · Elizabeth, NJ.