Best San Diego to Fort Collins Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from San Diego to Fort Collins and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,135 mile move from California to Colorado go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 23 San Diego to Fort Collins moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is The Rock Movers), how much the move costs (approximately $2,000 - $6,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in San Diego compared to Fort Collins. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best San Diego to Fort Collins Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1The Rock Movers9.499.53Authorized For HHGContact
2Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.9.469.62Authorized For HHGContact
3The Move Caddies9.209.41Authorized For HHGContact
4Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.8.948.13Authorized For HHGContact
5Two College Movers8.778.72Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from San Diego to Fort Collins

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,135 miles from San Diego, CA to Fort Collins, CO will cost on average $2,746 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom San Diego to Fort Collins move is roughly $6,603. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,846300 ft³6.15
1 Bedroom$2,746450 ft³6.10
2 Bedrooms$4,540750 ft³6.05
3 Bedrooms$6,6031100 ft³6.00
4 Bedrooms$9,5251600 ft³5.95
5+ Bedrooms$10,6261800 ft³5.90
*Please note: These California to Colorado moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & Colorado. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed CA to CO mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Fort Collins to San Diego guide.

Compare the 5 Best San Diego to Fort Collins Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

The Rock Movers Logo

The Rock Movers

Exceptional9.49/10
based on 2,305+ data points

7087 Camino Revueltos UNIT 306

San Diego, CA, 92111

About The Rock Movers

The Rock Movers is a San Diego County-based moving company offering professional and affordable moving services for local and long-distance relocations....

Services

  • Local Residential
  • Furniture Moving
  • Full Packing Service

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3653432 / 1541470

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. Logo

Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.

Exceptional9.46/10
based on 477+ data points

2020 Camino De La Reina

San Diego, CA, 92108

About Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.

Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. is a professional moving company based in San Diego, California. Founded by Donal and Jessica O'Neill,...

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Long-Distance Moves
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3177184 / 1157114

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved200,000 (2024)
View Full Review
2
The Move Caddies Logo

The Move Caddies

Exceptional9.20/10
based on 786+ data points

6410 S College Ave Suite A

Fort Collins, CO, 80525

About The Move Caddies

The Move Caddies is a trusted local moving company based in Fort Collins, Colorado, offering a tailor-made moving experience to suit...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Specialty or bulk item moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/11/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3804487 / 1370592

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Atlas Transfer & Storage Co. Logo

Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.

Superb8.94/10
based on 2,147+ data points

13026 Stowe Dr A

Poway, CA, 92064

About Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.

Founded in 1925, Atlas Transfer & Storage Company has been serving Southern California for over 95 years. This family-owned and operated...

Services

  • Long Distance Moving
  • International Moving
  • Storage Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

877737 / 383831

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved8,778 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Two College Movers Logo

Two College Movers

Superb8.77/10
based on 1,019+ data points

2217 Airway Ave # 6

Fort Collins, CO, 80524

About Two College Movers

Two College Movers has been serving the communities of Fort Collins, Windsor, Loveland, and Cheyenne since 2010. These movers will expedite...

Services

  • Full Service Move
  • Labor Only Move
  • Residential & Commercial Move

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2493028 / 887369

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved221,000 (2013)
View Full Review
5
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

San Diego vs. Fort Collins Neighborhood Comparison

Moving between cities can present a challenge in finding a neighborhood that feels like home. Our guide aims to compare local neighborhoods between San Diego, CA & Fort Collins, CO , leveraging familiar territories in San Diego to introduce you to similar vibes and communities in Fort Collins. The goal is to help you quickly resonate with a new neighborhood that matches your lifestyle preferences.

San DiegoFort CollinsHow They're Similar
La JollaOld TownHistoric charm, boutique shopping
Pacific BeachCity Park AreaLively, youthful atmosphere
North ParkMidtownArtsy, with eclectic eateries
HillcrestOld ProspectInclusive, vibrant LGBT+ scene
Gaslamp QuarterDowntown Fort CollinsEnergetic nightlife, historic sites
Ocean BeachLake SherwoodRelaxed vibe, close to nature
Little ItalyHarmony CrossingGourmet restaurants and artisan shops
Del MarFossil Lake RanchUpscale, tranquil residential area
Carmel ValleyRigden FarmFamily-friendly, modern amenities
CoronadoSpring CanyonScenic views, prestigious homes

If you're drawn to the upscale and historic charm of La Jolla, with its stunning ocean views and high-end dining, you'll find Old Town in Fort Collins offers a similarly appealing blend of historic architecture and boutique shopping, albeit with a more mountain-town feel. Meanwhile, the vibrant and inclusive atmosphere of Hillcrest finds a counterpart in Fort Collins' Old Prospect neighborhood, known for its welcoming community and variety of cultural events. For lovers of the outdoors, Ocean Beach's laid-back beach lifestyle is mirrored by the serene lakeside setting of Lake Sherwood in Fort Collins, offering abundant outdoor activities and a peaceful retreat from city life. These neighborhoods provide a wealth of options, whether you're seeking vibrancy or tranquility in your new Colorado home.

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Things to Do in Fort Collins

  • Explore the Gardens on Spring Creek
  • Hike in Lory State Park
  • Enjoy live music at Bohemian Nights
  • Visit the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
  • Cycle the Spring Creek Trail
  • Tour New Belgium Brewing Company
  • Attend a CSU Rams football game

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from San Diego to Fort Collins

Moving from one city to another is a big decision fraught with both challenges and opportunities. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection on the good and bad attributes of relocating from San Diego, CA to Fort Collins, CO. With the help of comparative charts, we will explore how the move from San Diego to Fort Collins can impact your lifestyle, taking into account various factors such as climate, cost of living, and more.

CONs
PROs
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Warm winters
Fort Collins, CO iconFort Collins, CO
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less traffic
  • Snowy winters
Fort Collins, CO iconFort Collins, CO
  • No beaches
  • Colder winters
  • Quieter nightlife
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • Beaches nearby
  • Mild winters
  • Vibrant nightlife

Moving from the vibrant, yet pricey San Diego with its mild winters and beautiful beaches to the more laid-back and affordable Fort Collins offers a significant change in lifestyle. You might miss surfing at La Jolla or strolling through Balboa Park, but Fort Collins has its own charms like the historic Old Town, inspired by Disneyland's Main Street U.S.A, and the Cache La Poudre River for outdoor enthusiasts. The cost of living in Fort Collins allows for more breathing room in your budget, making it easier to enjoy local eateries like The Emporium: An American Brasserie, explore the foothills, and engage with the community at annual events like the Colorado Brewer’s Festival. While Fort Collins may not have San Diego's beaches or its perpetually sunny weather, it offers a sense of community and a variety of outdoor activities set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.

San Diego vs. Fort Collins Food Guide

Understanding the local cuisine is crucial in embracing the cultural fabric of a new city. This comparison of the local cuisine between San Diego & Fort Collins aims to equip readers with insights into what culinary delights await them in their new home, reflecting the unique flavors and dining experiences each location has to offer.

San DiegoFort Collins
Most iconic local food itemFish TacosColorado Lamb
Most popular meat dishCarne AsadaBison Burgers
Most popular street food itemCalifornia BurritoBreakfast Burritos
Most popular vegan foodAcai BowlTofu Scramble
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • George's at the Cove
  • Phil's BBQ
  • Hodad's
  • The Armoury
  • The Rustic Oven
  • Little Onion
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

San Diego and Fort Collins both offer diverse culinary scenes that cater to a broad spectrum of tastes and dietary preferences. In San Diego, neighborhoods like La Jolla and Ocean Beach are bastions for seafood lovers, with fish tacos from spots like George's at the Cove marking a must-try for newcomers. Meanwhile, in Fort Collins, the love for locally sourced ingredients shines through dishes like the Colorado Lamb, with restaurants such as The Rustic Oven leading the charge in farm-to-table dining. Both cities display a strong health and fitness consciousness, which is reflected in their abundant vegan options and overall foodie scenes, though San Diego slightly edges out with its coastal-inspired vegan dishes and a higher concentration of food trucks.

San Diego vs. Fort Collins Restaurant Comparison

For many, finding the right place to dine is crucial in making a new city feel like home. This San Diego to Fort Collins restaurant comparison is designed to help you discover your next favorite eateries, drawing parallels between your beloved spots in San Diego and their counterparts in Fort Collins.

San DiegoFort CollinsWhat You'll Love
Juniper & IvyJay's BistroUpscale dining with a creative twist
Hodad'sBig Al's Burgers and DogsIconic burgers with a local feel
Phil's BBQSmokin FinsAuthentic BBQ with a seafood twist
Cucina UrbanaThe RegionalCozy eatery serving comfort food with flair
PuestoTaco StopGourmet tacos with a fresh, innovative approach
Born & RaisedRare ItalianHigh-end steakhouse with unique Italian accents
Buona ForchettaUrban OvenAuthentic, wood-fired pizzas with a cozy vibe
George's at the CoveCafe VinoFine dining with breathtaking views and a wine-focused approach
Petco Park (for events)Canvas Stadium (for events)Sporting and event dining with a local touch
Extraordinary DessertsThe Little Bird BakeshopHandcrafted sweets and pastries that impress

Embarking on a culinary journey from San Diego to Fort Collins introduces you to a tapestry of flavors and dining experiences that echo your favorites yet introduce something new. For instance, stepping into Jay's Bistro in Fort Collins captures the innovative spirit of Juniper & Ivy, making high-end dining an adventure. Taco enthusiasts will find Taco Stop's gourmet offerings echo the fresh, inventive flair of Puesto, marrying tradition with innovation in every bite. For those special event nights that were once spent at Petco Park, Canvas Stadium offers a local dining experience that ensures your sports evenings are accompanied by great food. Through these comparisons, finding your new culinary home in Fort Collins becomes an exciting exploration of familiar and new flavors alike.

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Ready to start your move?

San Diego vs. Fort Collins Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a crucial factor when planning a move. Comparing the housing aspects between San Diego, CA and Fort Collins, CO will help you understand what to expect in terms of cost, architecture, walkability, and lifestyle.

ComparisonSan DiegoFort Collins
Typical Architecture StyleSpanish ColonialCraftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingOcean views, proximity to beachesNature access, family-friendly neighborhoods

When comparing San Diego and Fort Collins, the stark difference in median home prices stands out, with San Diego being the more costly option. However, San Diego's higher price tags often come with ocean views and proximity to iconic beaches, driving up the value of its real estate. On the other hand, Fort Collins prides itself on access to nature and its reputation as a family-friendly environment. Both cities have their unique charms, with Fort Collins scoring higher on walkability and bikeability, indicating a more accessible, possibly healthier lifestyle. Additionally, while San Diego's urban lifestyle might be more vibrant, Fort Collins offers a blend of urban conveniences with a small-town feel.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Fort Collins, CO

1. Old Town: With its pet-friendly atmosphere, you will find numerous dog-friendly patios and leisure walks along the historic streets, making it an enjoyable place for both you and your furry friends.

2. City Park: Known for its spacious City Park, this neighborhood is perfect for pet owners offering vast areas for dogs to play and socialize, along with easy access to City Park Lake for a refreshing splash.

3. Spring Canyon: Home to one of the best dog parks in Fort Collins, Spring Canyon Dog Park, this neighborhood provides an outstanding off-leash experience in a beautiful natural setting, catering to the active spirit of pets and their owners.

San Diego vs. Fort Collins Weather Considerations

When planning a move from one city to another, understanding the weather differences is crucial to prepare properly. This comparison aims to highlight how the weather in San Diego and Fort Collins varies, providing an insightful perspective on what changes you can expect. From sunshine days to annual snowfall, these details are essential for anyone relocating.

Summer icon
76°F / 66°F

San Diego, CA

85°F / 55°F

Fort Collins, CO

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
66°F / 50°F

San Diego, CA

45°F / 15°F

Fort Collins, CO

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
10 inches

San Diego, CA

15 inches

Fort Collins, CO

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0 inches

San Diego, CA

54 inches

Fort Collins, CO

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSan DiegoFort Collins
Air QualityGood to ModerateGood
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresSevere Snowstorms
Days of Sunshine per Year266 days237 days
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

If you're accustomed to the mild winters and warm, dry summers of San Diego, expect significant changes upon moving to Fort Collins. Notably, Fort Collins experiences a wider temperature range throughout the year, with colder winters that include substantial snowfall—something almost unheard of in San Diego. The annual sunshine days are slightly fewer in Fort Collins, but it also boasts lower humidity levels, making the overall climate feel quite different. Moving from a city with practically no snow to one with an average of 54 inches per year will require a wardrobe and lifestyle adjustment, highlighting the importance of being prepared for diverse weather conditions.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from San Diego to Fort Collins

Moving from one city to another can significantly impact your finances. Understanding the differences between San Diego and Fort Collins in terms of cost of living, income, and taxes is crucial for making an informed decision about your relocation.

ComparisonSan DiegoFort Collins
Avg. Household Income$93,042$73,945
Cost of Living Index132.398.3
State Income Tax13.3 (max)4.63 (flat)
Avg. Property Tax0.760.52
Avg. Sales Tax7.757.55
Top 3 IndustriesDefense/Military, Tourism, International TradeHigher Education, Healthcare, Technology
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessHighLow

When comparing San Diego to Fort Collins, it's evident that while San Diego may boast a higher average household income, the cost of living there significantly outweighs that in Fort Collins. Notably, the state income tax in California, with a maximum rate of 13.3%, starkly contrasts with Colorado's flat rate of 4.63%. Furthermore, Fort Collins also benefits from a slightly lower average sales tax and a more moderate affluence level, contributing to its lower poverty and homelessness rates. These financial insights are crucial for anyone considering a move between these cities.

San Diego vs. Fort Collins Political & Religious Comparison

When moving from San Diego, CA to Fort Collins, CO, understanding the comparison of the politics and religious landscape between San Diego & Fort Collins can give you an insight into the communities you're transitioning between. This quick snapshot aims to provide a glimpse into the typical makeup of the population in these cities.

San DiegoFort Collins
Political Make-upLean LiberalLean Conservative
Local PoliticsDemocratic DominanceMixed, with Republican leanings
ReligionDiverse, with no single majorityChristianity predominant, followed by non-religious

In San Diego, you'll find a politically liberal-leaning population with a strong Democratic presence in local government. This city prides itself on its diversity, not just in terms of ethnicity but also in religious beliefs, reflecting a broad spectrum from Christianity to non-religious groups and other faiths. Contrarily, Fort Collins presents a more conservative bent, especially noticeable in local politics which exhibit a mix but tend to lean Republican. Religiously, Fort Collins has a higher predominance of Christianity, but like San Diego, a significant portion of the population identifies as non-religious. These shifts not only mark a change in political and religious landscapes but also signal a transition in community values and social dynamics as you move from the coast to the mountains.

San Diego vs. Fort Collins Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving to a new city comes with its unique set of challenges, especially when you're going from one city's culture to another. This guide is designed to compare the traffic and transportation options between San Diego & Fort Collins, helping you better understand what your daily commute and traffic might look like. Let's dive into the differences and similarities to ease your transition.

ComparisonSan DiegoFort Collins
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)24.720.4
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?It's challengingYes, but more difficult

In San Diego, you might find yourself spending a bit more time in traffic, with an average commute time of just under 25 minutes and a higher level of traffic congestion compared to Fort Collins. The availability of public transit like buses and the trolley in San Diego is fairly decent, making it possible, though challenging, to get by without a car. Conversely, Fort Collins offers a more relaxed traffic situation, significantly lower congestion, and a slightly less robust public transit system. While it's feasible to live in Fort Collins without a car, especially around the downtown area and amidst the city's bike-friendly reputation, having one could make accessing broader areas more convenient.

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