Chicago, IL to Fort Collins, CO Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Chicago to Fort Collins typically costs $2,600–$6,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 981 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Chicago to Fort Collins
Moving from Chicago, IL to Fort Collins, CO typically costs $2,600–$6,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 981-mile move from Chicago 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
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $2,066 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $2,217 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $3,245 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Feb 18, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 06, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 27, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 27, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 25, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 19, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 15, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Dec 22, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 17, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 14, 2025
Major factors affecting moving costs from Chicago to Fort Collins
Your total cost will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Chicago to Fort Collins might be as low as $2,200, while a four-bedroom could reach $8,400.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Chicago.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $700 to $2,100 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Fort Collins, CO to Chicago, IL guide.
Best Chicago to Fort Collins movers by type
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Best professional movers from Chicago to Fort Collins
When it comes to handling your interstate move from Chicago to Fort Collins, entrusting professionals with the details is often the best decision. Full-service movers are equipped to manage everything, allowing you to concentrate on settling into your new place.
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 IL→CO movers
moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 100 Illinois movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
- Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
- Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
- Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Chicago to Fort Collins
Many movers find Fort Collins easier on the wallet than Chicago - roughly 41% less for singles and 48% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,140 for one person in Fort Collins versus $3,648 in Chicago. For a family of four, it's $4,795 compared with $9,266.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Chicago | Fort Collins | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $1,783 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $2,830 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $543,093 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $64,728 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $2,140 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $4,795 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 7.55% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 5.49% |
- Good news! When moving to Fort Collins from Chicago, you'll benefit from rent being an estimated 14% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 84% higher in Fort Collins than in Chicago.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 10% lower in Fort Collins than in Chicago.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Fort Collins. The cost of living for a single person is 41% less compared to Chicago.
- Relocating to Fort Collins could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 48% lower than in Chicago.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 38% lower than Chicago, Fort Collins boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are 26% lower in Fort Collins than Chicago, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Income taxes are 11% higher in Colorado than in Illinois. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Chicago and Fort Collins, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Chicago | Fort Collins |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | $167.02 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $43.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $4.12 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $3.09 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $72.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 | $60.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Chicago than in Fort Collins.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Chicago than in Fort Collins.
- Eggs cost more in Chicago than in Fort Collins.
- Bread is more expensive in Chicago than in Fort Collins.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Chicago than in Fort Collins.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chicago than in Fort Collins.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chicago than in Fort Collins.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Fort Collins
| Chicago | Fort Collins | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 169,810 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 37 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 78 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 17.0 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 72.86 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Fort Collins's population is about 94% less than Chicago.
- Fort Collins's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Chicago's score of 9.
- Fort Collins is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- With a score of 78 out of 100, Fort Collins is more bike-friendly than Chicago, which has a score of 72 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 Chicago with a score of 17.0 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Fort Collins neighborhoods are safer than 17.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Fort Collins is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 72.86 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Fort Collins is Good, and in Chicago it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago to Fort Collins move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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 check the status of a Colorado moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Colorado, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Fort Collins without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover 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
Ready to relocate to Fort Collins? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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, it's the perfect time to explore Fort Collins. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Fort Collins include museums and art centers like 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: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Cache La Poudre River, Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, Annual Flower Trial Garden, and Spring Canyon Community Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Colorado State Rams (Mountain West) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Fort Collins?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Chicago to Fort Collins. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Fort Collins?
With many people choosing to move from Chicago to Fort Collins in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Chicago to Fort Collins take?
Covering 981 miles, the move from Chicago, IL to Fort Collins, CO typically takes two to seven days. Some Chicago movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Fort Collins can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Chicago offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 2 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Chicago can handle specialty items for my move to Fort Collins?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Chicago, 54 movers can handle pianos. 40 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of IL, there are 70 piano movers and 48 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
