Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Washington DC to Fort Collins
What to know before moving from Washington DC to Fort Collins
Moving from Washington DC 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 Washington DC than in Fort Collins, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Washington DC compares to Fort Collins so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Washington DC | Fort Collins | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,400 | $1,750 |
| Average home value | $594,337 | $543,093 |
| Average income (per capita) | $101,722 | $64,728 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,963 | $2,140 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,093 | $4,795 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.55% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 5.49% |
- Rent prices in Fort Collins are 27% lower than in Washington DC, 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 8.6% lower than in Washington DC. - Income in Fort Collins is 36.4% lower than in Washington DC, so you could earn less for doing the same job. 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 46.0% lower than in Washington DC. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Fort Collins is 56.8% lower than in Washington DC.
- The unemployment rate in Fort Collins is 20.00% lower than in Washington DC.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Fort Collins, since the cityโs sales taxes in Fort Collins are 25.83% higher than in Washington DC.
- One perk of moving to Fort Collins is paying less in state income taxes, which are 4.52% lower than in Washington DC.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,619.98 in Fort Collins to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Washington DC.
How life is different in Washington DC vs. Fort Collins
| Fort Collins | Washington DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,810 | 705,749 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 37 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 78 | 70 |
| Crime Index | 17.0 | 60.37 |
| Safety Index | 72.86 | 39.63 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Fort Collins's population is about 76% less than Washington DC.
- Fort Collins's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Washington DC's higher score of 9.
- Fort Collins is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 77 out of 100.
- With a score of 78 out of 100, Fort Collins is more bike-friendly than Washington DC, which has a score of 70 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 Washington DC with a score of 17.0 compared to Washington DC's 60.37. This means that Fort Collins neighborhoods are safer than 17.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37%.
- Fort Collins is considered to be safer than Washington DC with a safety index of 72.86 vs Washington DC's 39.63.
- Air quality in Fort Collins is good, and in Washington DC it's good.
Other things to consider for your Washington DC 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (COPUC) regulates local and intrastate moving service providers in Colorado.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Colorado moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Colorado doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll 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: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
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
After getting comfortable in your new Colorado home, itโs time to see what Fort Collins is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ thereโs plenty to check out:
- 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, 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 and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- 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 Washington DC to Fort Collins?
The best time to move from Washington DC 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 Washington DC.
When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to Fort Collins?
Because most people are moving from Washington DC 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 Washington DC to Fort Collins take?
The 1,662-mile move from Washington DC, MD, to Fort Collins, CO, takes four to 15 days. Some Washington DC movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Fort Collins.
