Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Portland to Fort Collins
What to know before moving from Portland to Fort Collins
Moving from Portland 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 Portland than in Fort Collins, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Portland compares to Fort Collins so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Portland | Fort Collins | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,991 | $1,750 |
| Average home value | $542,001 | $543,093 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,171 | $64,728 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,491 | $2,140 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,060 | $4,795 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 7.55% |
| State income tax | 5.8% | 5.49% |
- Rent prices in Fort Collins are 12% lower than in Portland, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
- Home prices are the same in Fort Collins and Portland.
- Income is the same in Fort Collins and Portland. 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 14.1% lower than in Portland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Fort Collins is 20.9% lower than in Portland.
- The unemployment rate in Fort Collins is 7.69% higher than in Portland.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Fort Collins, since the cityโs sales taxes in Fort Collins are 37.27% higher than in Portland.
- One perk of moving to Fort Collins is paying less in state income taxes, which are 5.34% lower than in Portland.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,577.28 in Fort Collins to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.
How life is different in Portland vs. Fort Collins
| Fort Collins | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,810 | 68,408 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 37 | 62 |
| Bike friendliness score | 78 | 68 |
| Crime Index | 17.0 | 32.16 |
| Safety Index | 72.86 | 67.84 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Fort Collins's population is about 148% greater than Portland.
- Fort Collins's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Portland's higher score of 6.
- Fort Collins is less walkable than Portland with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Portland's 62 out of 100.
- With a score of 78 out of 100, Fort Collins is more bike-friendly than Portland, which has a score of 68 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 Portland with a score of 17.0 compared to Portland's 32.16. This means that Fort Collins neighborhoods are safer than 17.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16%.
- Fort Collins is considered to be safer than Portland with a safety index of 72.86 vs Portland's 67.84.
- Air quality in Fort Collins is good, and in Portland it's good.
Other things to consider for your Portland 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
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 Portland to Fort Collins?
The best time to move from Portland 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 Portland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Portland to Fort Collins?
Because most people are moving from Portland 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 Portland to Fort Collins take?
The 2,047-mile move from Portland, ME, to Fort Collins, CO, takes six to 17 days. Some Portland movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Fort Collins.
