Moving from Fort Collins, CO to Glendale, AZ
Relocating 875 mi from Fort Collins to Glendale is a 16h 36m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
875 mi · 16h 36m by car · AZ → UT → CO
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → UT → CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 50, US 191 |
| Major cities en route | Surprise, Goodyear, Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Collins | Glendale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.128 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.156 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.592 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Fort Collins and Glendale sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP — the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $563,815 in Fort Collins to $407,332 in Glendale, a 2.2% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Fort Collins -1.4%, Glendale -2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Fort Collins | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 72°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 41°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 105°F |
| Annual snowfall | 51.4" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 15.9" | 8.3" |
Annual average temperature jumps 21.2°F — 50.7°F in Fort Collins vs 71.9°F in Glendale, per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Glendale sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: FT COLLINS, CO US, YOUNGTOWN, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Collins | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,705 | 250,193 |
| Median household income | $83,598 | $70,139 |
| Median age | 30.6 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.3% | 15.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.88 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 2.2% lower in Glendale than Fort Collins.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Glendale MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Glendale average 105°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Glendale sees only 8.3 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (21.2°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Glendale more expensive than Fort Collins?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Glendale is 2.2% higher than Fort Collins (103.316 vs 101.128, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Fort Collins and Glendale?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 71.9°F in Glendale vs 50.7°F in Fort Collins (21.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 51.4 in. Annual precipitation: 8.3 in vs 15.9 in.
How does the job market in Glendale compare to Fort Collins?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Glendale MSA vs $50,820 in the Fort Collins MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 173,230 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Glendale, AZ from Fort Collins, CO?
The driving distance is 875 mi and the route typically takes 16h 36m via I 70 and US 50. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Glendale compared to Fort Collins?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $407,332 in Glendale vs $563,815 in Fort Collins — a 27.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Fort Collins vs Glendale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $70,139 in Glendale vs $83,598 in Fort Collins — a 16.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Fort Collins to Glendale?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 875 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 · Glendale, AZ.