Moving from Fort Collins, CO to Omaha, NE
Relocating 537 mi from Fort Collins to Omaha is a 9h 10m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
537 mi Β· 9h 10m by car Β· NE β WY β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β WY β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 25, US 87 |
| Major cities en route | Lincoln, Greeley |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Collins | Omaha | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.128 | 91.911 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.156 | 76.378 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 94.063 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.592 | 86.404 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 9.1% moving from Fort Collins to Omaha β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $563,815 in Fort Collins to $294,189 in Omaha, a 9.1% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Fort Collins -1.4%, Omaha +1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fort Collins | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 15Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 51.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 15.9" | β |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 50.7Β°F vs 51.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FT COLLINS, CO US, OMAHA #1, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Collins | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,705 | 488,197 |
| Median household income | $83,598 | $72,708 |
| Median age | 30.6 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.3% | 25.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.44 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 9.1% lower in Omaha than Fort Collins.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Omaha MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 58,590 | $42,850 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 45,020 | $30,130 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 43,680 | $35,980 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 41,730 | $39,370 |
| Management Occupations | 37,950 | $104,990 |
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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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 β 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 β check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Tornado season peaks May through July β 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
Is Omaha more expensive than Fort Collins?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Omaha is 9.1% lower than Fort Collins (91.911 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 Omaha?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 537 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Omaha compare to Fort Collins?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,580 in the Omaha MSA vs $50,820 in the Fort Collins MSA, on total employment of 483,970 and 173,230 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Omaha, NE from Fort Collins, CO?
The driving distance is 537 mi and the route typically takes 9h 10m via I 80 and I 25. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Fort Collins vs Omaha?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $72,708 in Omaha vs $83,598 in Fort Collins β a 13.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Omaha compared to Fort Collins?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $294,189 in Omaha vs $563,815 in Fort Collins β a 47.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fort Collins.
City profiles: Fort Collins, CO Β· Omaha, NE.