Moving from Arvada, CO to Boulder, CO
The drive from Arvada to Boulder covers 18 mi in about 32 min. Local moves still matter — school districts, tax jurisdictions, and housing micromarkets can all flip across short distances. This page pulls the latest federal and Zillow figures into a single side-by-side comparison to make those differences visible.
18 mi · 32 min by car · CO
Distance & route
| Route through | CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CO 72, US 36, CO 157 |
| Major cities en route | Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Centennial, Westminster |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Arvada | Boulder | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 105.202 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 82.741 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 96.052 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 157.02 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Arvada (105.782) and Boulder (105.202) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Boulder: 0.5% above Arvada on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Arvada -2.5%, Boulder -2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Arvada | Boulder |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 88°F | 88°F |
| Annual snowfall | 75.5" | 92.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 17.1" | 21.2" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 92.8 in of snowfall annually at Boulder.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WHEAT RIDGE 2, CO US, BOULDER, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Arvada | Boulder |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 122,835 | 106,274 |
| Median household income | $113,396 | $85,364 |
| Median age | 40.2 | 28.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 31.7% | 36.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.42 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 0.5% between Arvada and Boulder (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Boulder MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 19,760 | $91,230 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 19,640 | $47,560 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 19,360 | $50,060 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 17,660 | $37,440 |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 17,320 | $131,150 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April — check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Boulder averages 92.8 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Boulder compare to Arvada?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $64,750 in the Boulder MSA vs $58,490 in the Arvada MSA, on total employment of 194,440 and 1,590,330 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Arvada and Boulder?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 51.5°F in Boulder vs 50.3°F in Arvada (1.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 92.8 in vs 75.5 in. Annual precipitation: 21.2 in vs 17.1 in.
How does household income compare in Arvada vs Boulder?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $85,364 in Boulder vs $113,396 in Arvada — a 24.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Boulder more expensive than Arvada?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Boulder is 0.5% lower than Arvada (105.202 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Boulder compared to Arvada?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $964,531 in Boulder vs $616,566 in Arvada — a 56.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Boulder, CO from Arvada, CO?
The driving distance is 18 mi and the route typically takes 32 min via CO 72 and US 36. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Arvada to Boulder?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 18 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Arvada.
City profiles: Arvada, CO · Boulder, CO.