Madison, WI to Fort Collins, CO Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Madison to Fort Collins typically costs $2,700–$7,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 933 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Madison to Fort Collins
Moving from Madison, WI to Fort Collins, CO typically costs $2,700–$7,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 933-mile move from Madison to Fort Collins, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 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
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $6,393 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $1,274 for a 4 bedroom using a rental truck.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $2,616 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Mar 04, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 22, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 04, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 25, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 25, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 20, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 17, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 16, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Dec 24, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 10, 2025
Major factors affecting moving costs from Madison 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 Madison to Fort Collins might be as low as $2,200, while a four-bedroom could reach $9,500.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Madison.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $700 to $1,900 — 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 Madison, WI guide.
Best Madison to Fort Collins movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Madison to Fort Collins
When it comes to handling your interstate move from Madison 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 WI→CO movers
moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 39 Wisconsin 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 Madison to Fort Collins
Many movers find Fort Collins easier on the wallet than Madison - roughly 7% less for singles and 12% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,140 for one person in Fort Collins versus $2,292 in Madison. For a family of four, it's $4,795 compared with $5,457.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Madison | Fort Collins | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,693 | $1,783 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,100 | $2,830 |
| Average home value | $367,934 | $543,093 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $64,728 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,292 | $2,140 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,457 | $4,795 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 7.55% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 5.49% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 9% higher in Fort Collins than in Madison, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 48% higher in Fort Collins than in Madison.
- Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Fort Collins and Madison, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Fort Collins. The cost of living for a single person is 7% less compared to Madison.
- 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 12% lower than in Madison.
- The unemployment rate in Fort Collins exceeds that of Madison by about 70%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes in Fort Collins exceed those in Madison by 37%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Income taxes are 28% lower in Colorado than in Wisconsin. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Madison and Fort Collins, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Madison | Fort Collins |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $215.88 | $167.02 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.44 | $43.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.04 | $4.12 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.75 | $3.09 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $72.00 |
| Gym membership | $64.29 | $60.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Madison than in Fort Collins.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Madison than in Fort Collins.
- Eggs are less expensive in Madison than in Fort Collins.
- Bread is more expensive in Madison than in Fort Collins.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Madison than in Fort Collins.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Madison than in Fort Collins.
- Gym memberships cost more in Madison than in Fort Collins.
How life is different in Madison vs. Fort Collins
| Madison | Fort Collins | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 269,840 | 169,810 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 50 | 37 |
| Bike friendliness score | 66 | 78 |
| Crime index | 34.57 | 17.0 |
| Safety index | 65.43 | 72.86 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Fort Collins's population is about 37% less than Madison.
- Fort Collins's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Madison's score of 6.
- Fort Collins is less walkable than Madison with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Madison's 50 out of 100.
- With a score of 78 out of 100, Fort Collins is more bike-friendly than Madison, which has a score of 66 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 Madison with a score of 17.0 compared to Madison's 34.57. This means that Fort Collins neighborhoods are safer than 17.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
- Fort Collins is considered to be safer than Madison with a safety index of 72.86 vs Madison's 65.43.
- Air quality in Fort Collins is Good, and in Madison it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Madison 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 Madison to Fort Collins?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Madison to Fort Collins. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Madison.
When is the cheapest time to move from Madison to Fort Collins?
With many people choosing to move from Madison 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 Madison to Fort Collins take?
Covering 933 miles, the move from Madison, WI to Fort Collins, CO typically takes two to seven days. Some Madison movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Fort Collins can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Madison can handle specialty items for my move to Fort Collins?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Madison, 3 movers can handle pianos. 1 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of WI, there are 25 piano movers and 13 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,294 and 1,462 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
