Moving from Lincoln, NE to Fort Collins, CO
The 489 mi from Lincoln to Fort Collins 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
| Lincoln | Fort Collins | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.581 | 101.128 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.817 | 82.156 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.101 | 96.052 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.208 | 120.592 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 91.581 in Lincoln to 101.128 in Fort Collins, a 10.4% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Fort Collins: 10.4% above Lincoln on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Lincoln +4.2%, Fort Collins -1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Lincoln | Fort Collins |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.0" | 51.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 29.3" | 15.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 51.4 in of snowfall annually at Fort Collins.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US, FT COLLINS, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lincoln | Fort Collins |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 291,932 | 169,705 |
| Median household income | $69,991 | $83,598 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 30.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.4% | 34.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.4 |
Income steps up 10.4%: $69,991 in Lincoln vs $83,598 in Fort Collins.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Fort Collins MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 19,130 | $46,140 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 19,060 | $39,090 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 17,830 | $35,050 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 12,630 | $79,180 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 12,170 | $84,720 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Nebraska and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Fort Collins averages 51.4 in annually vs 26.0 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- 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 Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Lincoln to Fort Collins?
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.
Is Fort Collins more expensive than Lincoln?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fort Collins is 10.4% higher than Lincoln (101.128 vs 91.581, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Lincoln and Fort Collins?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.7°F in Fort Collins vs 52.3°F in Lincoln (1.6°F colder). Annual snowfall: 51.4 in vs 26.0 in. Annual precipitation: 15.9 in vs 29.3 in.
How far is Fort Collins, CO from Lincoln, NE?
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.
How much do homes cost in Fort Collins compared to Lincoln?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $563,815 in Fort Collins vs $291,062 in Lincoln — a 93.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Lincoln vs Fort Collins?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $83,598 in Fort Collins vs $69,991 in Lincoln — a 19.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Fort Collins compare to Lincoln?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,820 in the Fort Collins MSA vs $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA, on total employment of 173,230 and 179,040 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 Lincoln.
City profiles: Lincoln, NE · Fort Collins, CO.