Modesto, CA to Fort Collins, CO Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Modesto to Fort Collins typically costs $3,100–$6,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,173 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Modesto to Fort Collins
Moving from Modesto, CA to Fort Collins, CO typically costs $3,100–$6,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,173-mile move from Modesto to Fort Collins, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- AB Moving recently quoted $2,536 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $7,457 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $2,611 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Feb 16, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 08, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 17, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Dec 30, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 27, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 27, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 22, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 19, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 09, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 04, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Modesto to Fort Collins move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,400 for a one-bedroom, or up to $9,300 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Modesto.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $800 to $2,400, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Fort Collins, CO to Modesto, CA guide.
Best Modesto to Fort Collins movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Modesto to Fort Collins
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Modesto to Fort Collins much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best CA→CO movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 372 California movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Modesto to Fort Collins
Many movers find Fort Collins easier on the wallet than Modesto - roughly 7% less for singles and 19% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,140 for one person in Fort Collins versus $2,312 in Modesto. For a family of four, it's $4,795 compared with $5,946.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Modesto | Fort Collins | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,446 | $1,783 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,467 | $2,830 |
| Average home value | $442,362 | $543,093 |
| Average income (per capita) | $67,011 | $64,728 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,312 | $2,140 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,946 | $4,795 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.88% | 7.55% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 5.49% |
- Moving to Fort Collins from Modesto won't change your financial plan too much, as rent costs are comparable.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Fort Collins are about 23% higher than those in Modesto.
- In terms of average income, Fort Collins and Modesto are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- You'll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Fort Collins, as the cost of living for a single person is 7% lower compared to Modesto.
- A move to Fort Collins can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 19% less than what it costs in Modesto.
- The unemployment rate in Fort Collins is about 30% lower than in Modesto. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes are 15% less in Fort Collins relative to Modesto. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in Colorado are 59% below those in California. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Modesto and Fort Collins:
| Living Expense | Modesto | Fort Collins |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $167.02 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $43.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.67 | $4.12 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.61 | $3.09 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $72.00 |
| Gym membership | $41.33 | $60.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Modesto than in Fort Collins.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Modesto than in Fort Collins.
- Eggs cost more in Modesto than in Fort Collins.
- Bread is more expensive in Modesto than in Fort Collins.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Modesto than in Fort Collins.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Modesto than in Fort Collins.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Modesto than in Fort Collins.
How life is different in Modesto vs. Fort Collins
| Modesto | Fort Collins | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 169,810 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 48 | 37 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 78 |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 17.0 |
| Safety index | 34.24 | 72.86 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Fort Collins's population is about 22% less than Modesto.
- Fort Collins's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Modesto's score of 5.
- Fort Collins is less walkable than Modesto with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Modesto's 48 out of 100.
- With a score of 78 out of 100, Fort Collins is more bike-friendly than Modesto, which has a score of 48 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Fort Collins's crime rate is lower than Modesto with a score of 17.0 compared to Modesto's 65.76. This means that Fort Collins neighborhoods are safer than 17.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Modesto neighborhoods are safer than 65.76%.
- Fort Collins is considered to be safer than Modesto with a safety index of 72.86 vs Modesto's 34.24.
- Air quality in Fort Collins is Good, and in Modesto it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Modesto to Fort Collins move
- 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, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (COPUC) regulates local and intrastate moving service providers in Colorado. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Colorado’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Colorado does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Fort Collins. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Fort Collins
Planning your move to Fort Collins? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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
After settling into your new Colorado home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Fort Collins has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Fort Collins features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Totally 80's Pizza & Museum, Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures, and Museum of Art Fort Collins.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Cache La Poudre River, Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, Annual Flower Trial Garden, and Spring Canyon Community Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Colorado State Rams (Mountain West) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Fort Collins?
Planning your move from Modesto to Fort Collins? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Modesto.
When is the cheapest time to move from Modesto to Fort Collins?
Because most people are moving from Modesto 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 Modesto to Fort Collins take?
The 1,173-mile journey from Modesto, CA to Fort Collins, CO, typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Modesto offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Fort Collins.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Modesto?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Modesto, 10 movers can manage piano relocations. 5 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, California has 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
