Moving from Fort Collins, CO to Lincoln, NE
The 489 mi from Fort Collins to Lincoln translate to about 8h 23m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
489 mi · 8h 23m by car · NE → WY → CO
Distance & route
| Route through | NE → WY → CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 25, US 87 |
| Major cities en route | Greeley |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Collins | Lincoln | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.128 | 91.581 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.156 | 76.817 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 94.101 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.592 | 84.208 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Lincoln are 9.4% below Fort Collins — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Lincoln typical home at $291,062 is 9.4% under Fort Collins at $563,815 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Fort Collins -1.4%, Lincoln +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Fort Collins | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 51.4" | 26.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 15.9" | 29.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 50.7°F vs 52.3°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Lincoln sees 26.0 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, LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Collins | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,705 | 291,932 |
| Median household income | $83,598 | $69,991 |
| Median age | 30.6 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.3% | 26.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.42 |
Income steps down 9.4%: $83,598 in Fort Collins vs $69,991 in Lincoln.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Lincoln MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 21,500 | $40,590 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 15,810 | $29,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 14,720 | $35,130 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 14,440 | $43,440 |
| Management Occupations | 13,270 | $99,080 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado and Nebraska
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Nebraska'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: Lincoln averages 26.0 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 peaks May through July — identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Nebraska after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Lincoln compare to Fort Collins?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA vs $50,820 in the Fort Collins MSA, on total employment of 179,040 and 173,230 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Fort Collins and Lincoln?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.3°F in Lincoln vs 50.7°F in Fort Collins (1.6°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 26.0 in vs 51.4 in. Annual precipitation: 29.3 in vs 15.9 in.
How does household income compare in Fort Collins vs Lincoln?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,991 in Lincoln vs $83,598 in Fort Collins — a 16.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Lincoln more expensive than Fort Collins?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lincoln is 9.4% lower than Fort Collins (91.581 vs 101.128, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Lincoln compared to Fort Collins?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $291,062 in Lincoln vs $563,815 in Fort Collins — a 48.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Fort Collins to Lincoln?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 489 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Lincoln, NE from Fort Collins, CO?
The driving distance is 489 mi and the route typically takes 8h 23m via I 80 and I 25. The trip crosses 3 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 · Lincoln, NE.