Factors influencing moving costs from Phoenix to Fort Collinstoggle

The cost of Phoenix movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Phoenix to Fort Collins can be as low as $1,435 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 7,700.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Phoenix, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $700 to $1,820. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Phoenix to Fort Collins

Moving from Phoenix to Fort Collins means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Phoenix than in Fort Collins, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Phoenix compares to Fort Collins so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Phoenix Fort Collins
Average rent cost $1,695 $1,750
Average home value $411,139 $543,093
Average income (per capita) $64,552 $64,728
Cost of living (single person) $2,369 $2,140
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,226 $4,795
Unemployment rate 6.6% 5.6%
Sales tax 8.6% 7.55%
State income tax 2.5% 5.49%
  • Rent prices in Fort Collins are 3% higher than in Phoenix, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Phoenix.
    Home prices in Fort Collins are 32.1% higher than in Phoenix.
  • Income is the same in Fort Collins and Phoenix. The top employers in Fort Collins include Advanced Energy Industries, RIMROCK, and Woodward.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Fort Collins is 9.7% lower than in Phoenix. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Fort Collins is 8.2% lower than in Phoenix.
  • The unemployment rate in Fort Collins is 15.15% lower than in Phoenix.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Fort Collins, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Fort Collins are 12.21% lower than in Phoenix.
  • State income taxes in Fort Collins are 119.60% higher than in Phoenix.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,710.00 in Fort Collins to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Phoenix.

How life is different in Phoenix vs. Fort Collins

Fort Collins Phoenix
Population 169,810 1,608,139
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 6
Walkability score 37 41
Bike friendliness score 78 56
Crime Index 17.0 53.06
Safety Index 72.86 46.94
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Fort Collins's population is about 89% less than Phoenix.
  • Fort Collins's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Phoenix's higher score of 6.
  • Fort Collins is less walkable than Phoenix with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Phoenix's 41 out of 100.
  • With a score of 78 out of 100, Fort Collins is more bike-friendly than Phoenix, which has a score of 56 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Fort Collins's crime rate is lower than Phoenix with a score of 17.0 compared to Phoenix's 53.06. This means that Fort Collins neighborhoods are safer than 17.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Phoenix neighborhoods are safer than 53.06%.
  • Fort Collins is considered to be safer than Phoenix with a safety index of 72.86 vs Phoenix's 46.94.
  • Air quality in Fort Collins is good, and in Phoenix it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Phoenix vs. Fort Collins move

  • Weather: August, June and September are the best months to move in Fort Collins, while December and January are the least comfortable months. Summers in Fort Collins can be mild to hot. Winters can be relatively tolerable as well.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (COPUC) regulates local and intrastate moving service providers in Colorado. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Colorado moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Colorado does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Fort Collins. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-free advantage, provided by movers with minimal coverage. Under this option, the mover's responsibility is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if your mover lost or damaged a valuable item, you would only receive compensation based on this limited valuation. If you seek comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, discuss alternative options with the moving company you're hiring or explore third-party insurance providers.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Fort Collins

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Fort Collins", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Fort Collins.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Old Town
  • City Park
  • Ram's Village
  • Harmony Crossing

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Old Town
  • City Park
  • Huntington Hills
  • Harmony Crossing

Things to do in Fort Collins

Now that you've made the move to Colorado, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Fort Collins. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Fort Collins, such as the Totally 80's Pizza & Museum, Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures, Museum of Art Fort Collins, and Center for Fine Art Photography.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Cache La Poudre River, Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, Annual Flower Trial Garden, and Spring Canyon Community Park โ€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Colorado State Rams (Mountain West) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Phoenix to Fort Collins?

The best time to move from Phoenix to Fort Collins is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Phoenix.

When is the cheapest time to move from Phoenix to Fort Collins?

Because most people are moving from Phoenix to Fort Collins in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Phoenix to Fort Collins take?

The 881-mile move from Phoenix, AZ, to Fort Collins, CO, takes two to seven days. Some Phoenix movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Fort Collins.

Helpful moving resources