Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Scottsdale to Fort Collins
What to know before moving from Scottsdale to Fort Collins
Moving from Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale than in Fort Collins, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Scottsdale compares to Fort Collins so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Scottsdale | Fort Collins | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,300 | $1,750 |
| Average home value | $827,308 | $543,093 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,533 | $64,728 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $5,753 | $2,140 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,570 | $4,795 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.05% | 7.55% |
| State income tax | 2.5% | 5.49% |
- Rent prices in Fort Collins are 47% lower than in Scottsdale, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Fort Collins.
Home prices in Fort Collins are 34.4% lower than in Scottsdale. - Income is the same in Fort Collins and Scottsdale. 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 62.8% lower than in Scottsdale. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Fort Collins, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Fort Collins is 4.9% higher than in Scottsdale.
- The unemployment rate in Fort Collins is 19.15% higher than in Scottsdale.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Fort Collins, since the cityโs sales taxes in Fort Collins are 6.21% lower than in Scottsdale.
- State income taxes in Fort Collins are 119.60% higher than in Scottsdale.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,115.94 in Fort Collins to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Scottsdale.
How life is different in Scottsdale vs. Fort Collins
| Fort Collins | Scottsdale | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,810 | 241,361 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 37 | 32 |
| Bike friendliness score | 78 | 56 |
| Crime Index | 17.0 | 25.8 |
| Safety Index | 72.86 | 74.2 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Fort Collins's population is about 30% less than Scottsdale.
- Fort Collins's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Scottsdale's higher score of 5.
- Fort Collins is more walkable than Scottsdale with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Scottsdale's 32 out of 100.
- With a score of 78 out of 100, Fort Collins is more bike-friendly than Scottsdale, 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 Scottsdale with a score of 17.0 compared to Scottsdale's 25.8. This means that Fort Collins neighborhoods are safer than 17.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Scottsdale neighborhoods are safer than 25.8%.
- Fort Collins and Scottsdale are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Fort Collins is good, and in Scottsdale it's good.
Other things to consider for your Scottsdale 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, itโs the perfect time to explore Fort Collins. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll 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 cityโs 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 Scottsdale to Fort Collins?
The best time to move from Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale.
When is the cheapest time to move from Scottsdale to Fort Collins?
Because most people are moving from Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale to Fort Collins take?
The 915-mile move from Scottsdale, AZ, to Fort Collins, CO, takes two to seven days. Some Scottsdale movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Fort Collins.
