Moving from Pueblo, CO to Fort Collins, CO
Relocating between Pueblo, CO and Fort Collins, CO is a 172 mi drive β 3h 12m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
172 mi Β· 3h 12m by car Β· CO
Distance & route
| Route through | CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 25, US 50, US 50 BUS |
| Major cities en route | Greeley, Boulder, Thornton, Westminster, Arvada |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Pueblo | Fort Collins | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.762 | 101.128 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.933 | 82.156 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 96.052 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.285 | 120.592 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 10.2% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 10.2% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $283,603 to $563,815 moving to Fort Collins.
YoY change: Pueblo -1.4%, Fort Collins -1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Pueblo | Fort Collins |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 51.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 13.8" | 15.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Pueblo (53.1Β°F) and Fort Collins (50.7Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Fort Collins averages 51.4 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WFO PUEBLO, CO US, FT COLLINS, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pueblo | Fort Collins |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 111,514 | 169,705 |
| Median household income | $55,305 | $83,598 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 30.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.9% | 34.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.4 |
Expect median household income to rise 10.2% β $55,305 β $83,598 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
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.
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
- 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
- Winter gear first: Fort Collins averages 51.4 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β 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 much do homes cost in Fort Collins compared to Pueblo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $563,815 in Fort Collins vs $283,603 in Pueblo β a 98.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Pueblo to Fort Collins?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 172 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Fort Collins, CO from Pueblo, CO?
The driving distance is 172 mi and the route typically takes 3h 12m via I 25 and US 50. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Fort Collins more expensive than Pueblo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fort Collins is 10.2% higher than Pueblo (101.128 vs 91.762, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Fort Collins compare to Pueblo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,820 in the Fort Collins MSA vs $46,540 in the Pueblo MSA, on total employment of 173,230 and 63,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Pueblo vs Fort Collins?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $83,598 in Fort Collins vs $55,305 in Pueblo β a 51.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Pueblo.
City profiles: Pueblo, CO Β· Fort Collins, CO.