Moving from Fort Collins to Denver, CO
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Quick answer: Moving from Fort Collins to Denver costs between $68 to $4,249 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 63-mile route within Colorado take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Fort Collins to Denver
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Fort Collins to Denver are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Fort Collins to driving and unloading in Denver, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 63 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,165 - $3,517 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $721 - $1,552 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $84 - $148 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Exodus Moving and Storage | $120/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Fort Collins to Denver?
It costs between $68 to $4,249 to move from Fort Collins to Denver. The prices below break down your 63-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $624 - $4,249
- Moving containers: $538 - $1,882
- Rental trucks: $68 - $142
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $624 - $3,004 | $538 - $1,024 | $68 - $113 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,165 - $3,517 | $721 - $1,552 | $84 - $148 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,569 - $4,249 | $938 - $1,882 | $94 - $142 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $348 - $2,900+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $120/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $80/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $232 - $928 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $58 - $232 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Fort Collins to Denver
At 63 miles, your Fort Collins to Denver move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Fort Collins to Denver. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Colorado, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 63 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Exodus Moving and Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Fort Collins to Denver. They've been in business since 2000 (26 years of experience) and 89.2% of their 213 verified reviews are positive.
More Colorado moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Denver to Fort Collins guide.
Considerations when moving from Fort Collins to Denver
Cost of living: Fort Collins vs. Denver
When weighing the cost of living in Fort Collins versus Denver, there's more to consider than just housing costs. Let’s dive into important financial factors like rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends, so you can see how life in Denver really compares to Fort Collins.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Fort Collins | Denver | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,750 | $1,900 |
| Average home cost | $544,203 | $586,595 |
| Average income (per capita) | $83,598 | $91,681 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,140 | $3,392 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,795 | $8,201 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 7.1% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.55% | 9.15% |
- Rent prices in Denver are 9% higher than in Fort Collins. Be prepared to spend more on housing, which might mean less room in your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Denver are 8% higher than in Fort Collins. This means buying a home may be tougher, with a bigger down payment and possibly higher monthly mortgage costs.
- Salaries here are, on average, 10% higher than in Fort Collins. If your earnings line up with local rates, you could experience a noticeable jump in your financial well-being.
- Living costs for one person are 59% higher in Denver compared to Fort Collins, so you’ll likely need to adjust your budget to handle the added expenses.
- The cost of living for a family in Denver is 71% higher than in Fort Collins. This means household expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, which could make Denver less affordable if you have dependents or other family members to care for.
- Unemployment in Denver is 27% higher than in Fort Collins. This means landing a job could be tougher and job security less certain—especially if you're making the move without a job already secured.
- Sales taxes are 21% higher in Denver than in Fort Collins. This means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Fort Collins, you’d need about $4,770 in Denver.
How life is different in Fort Collins vs. Denver
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Fort Collins and Denver. From weather and population to cost of living, politics, and safety, these factors can all impact your daily life. Use this side-by-side comparison to find out which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Fort Collins | Denver | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,810 | 715,522 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 56-41 | Republican 49-48 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 89ºF |
| Winter low | 15ºF | 18ºF |
| Annual rain | 16" | 17" |
| Annual snow | 48" | 60" |
| Crime index | 17.0 | 47.84 |
Denver sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Denver is about 321% larger than Fort Collins. Moving to a bigger city means more people, new opportunities, and a vibrant cultural scene, but you’ll also face higher living costs and a faster pace. Whether that sounds exciting or overwhelming comes down to what you want in your next home.
- In the last presidential election, Denver voted Republican, while Fort Collins voted Democratic.
- In Denver and Fort Collins, summer highs run about the same — 89°F vs. 87°F. You can expect similar weather and expenses.
- In the coldest months, both Fort Collins and Denver face similar winter lows—Fort Collins drops to 15°F, while Denver falls to 18°F.
- Both Fort Collins and Denver receive similar amounts of rain annually—Fort Collins gets about 16 inches, while Denver sees around 17 inches each year.
- Denver usually sees more snow than Fort Collins, averaging 60 annually compared to Fort Collins’s 48.
- Denver reports a higher crime index than Fort Collins, with scores of 47.84 and 17.0, respectively.
Things to do in Denver
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? Denver has it all.
Museums in Denver
- Denver Botanic Gardens
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science
- Denver Art Museum
- Molly Brown House Museum
- Forney Museum of Transportation
Parks in Denver
- Washington Park
- Denver Mountain Parks
- City Park - Denver
- Cheesman Park
- Sloan's Lake Park
Sports teams in Denver
- Denver Broncos (NFL)
- Colorado Rockies (MLB)
- Colorado Avalance (NHL)
- Colorado Rapids (MLS)
- Denver Nuggets (NBA)
Universities in Denver
- Community College of Denver
- Metropolitan State University of Denver
- University of Colorado Denver
- Colorado Heights University
- Iliff School of Theology
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Fort Collins to Denver?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Fort Collins to Denver, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $544 and $2,567. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $1,165 up to $3,517. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $1,569 to $4,249 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Fort Collins to Denver?
Moving containers from Fort Collins to Denver will cost you $397 to $929 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $721 to $1,552. A larger home will cost $938 to $1,882.
How much is a moving truck from Fort Collins to Denver?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is typically your most budget-friendly choice. Just keep in mind, you’ll be handling all the driving and heavy lifting yourself. We’ve factored estimated fuel costs into these price estimates, so you know what to expect.
Renting a truck to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $67 to $113. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $84 and $148. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Fort Collins to Denver, costs usually fall between $94 and $142.
How far in advance should I book Fort Collins-to-Denver movers?
To make your move from Fort Collins to Denver as easy as possible, try locking in your movers at least two months ahead of time. If you’re planning to move during the busy summer season, aim for three months in advance. Booking early gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land you better rates. Some companies even offer early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Denver?
For the best deals on your move to Denver, aim for a date between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush not only saves you money, but also helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
