Moving from Fort Collins, CO to Lakewood, CO
Moving from Fort Collins, CO to Lakewood, CO covers 68 mi and about 1h 24m by car through 1 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
68 mi · 1h 24m by car · CO
Distance & route
| Route through | CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 25, CO 391, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | Greeley, Boulder, Thornton, Westminster, Denver |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Collins | Lakewood | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.128 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.156 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.592 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Lakewood and Fort Collins are close on the overall BEA RPP (101.128 vs 105.782); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values are comparable between the two cities on the latest Zillow ZHVI.
YoY change: Fort Collins -1.4%, Lakewood -2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Fort Collins | Lakewood |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 21°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 51.4" | 58.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 15.9" | 17.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 50.7°F vs 50.4°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Lakewood sees 58.0 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: FT COLLINS, CO US, LAKEWOOD, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Collins | Lakewood |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,705 | 156,309 |
| Median household income | $83,598 | $85,789 |
| Median age | 30.6 | 38 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.3% | 29.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.26 |
Household income lines up — $83,598 vs $85,789 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Lakewood MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 173,910 | $49,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 172,890 | $48,280 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 164,250 | $84,370 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 140,150 | $36,010 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 129,510 | $45,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
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: Lakewood averages 58.0 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.
Frequently asked
How far is Lakewood, CO from Fort Collins, CO?
The driving distance is 68 mi and the route typically takes 1h 24m via I 25 and CO 391. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Lakewood compared to Fort Collins?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $573,913 in Lakewood vs $563,815 in Fort Collins — a 1.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Fort Collins and Lakewood?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.4°F in Lakewood vs 50.7°F in Fort Collins (0.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 58.0 in vs 51.4 in. Annual precipitation: 17.5 in vs 15.9 in.
Is Lakewood more expensive than Fort Collins?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lakewood is 4.6% higher than Fort Collins (105.782 vs 101.128, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Fort Collins to Lakewood?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 68 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Fort Collins vs Lakewood?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $85,789 in Lakewood vs $83,598 in Fort Collins — a 2.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Lakewood compare to Fort Collins?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Lakewood MSA vs $50,820 in the Fort Collins MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 173,230 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fort Collins.
City profiles: Fort Collins, CO · Lakewood, CO.