Moving from Billings, MT to Boulder, CO
The drive from Billings, MT to Boulder, CO runs 544 mi — about 9h 7m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
544 mi · 9h 7m by car · MT → WY → CO
Distance & route
| Route through | MT → WY → CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 87, I 90, US 212 |
| Major cities en route | Fort Collins, Greeley, Thornton, Westminster, Denver |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Boulder | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 105.202 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 82.741 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 96.052 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 157.02 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Boulder is 12.5% higher than Billings, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Boulder is 12.5% above Billings — $392,209 vs $964,531 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Boulder -2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Billings | Boulder |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 88°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | 92.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 21.2" |
Annual average temperatures in Billings (48.2°F) and Boulder (51.5°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Boulder averages 92.8 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, BOULDER, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Boulder |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 106,274 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $85,364 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 28.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 36.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.42 |
Income steps up 12.5%: $71,855 in Billings vs $85,364 in Boulder.
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.
Moving between Montana and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms — check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- 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
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Boulder averages 92.8 in annually vs 57.4 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- 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.
- Register to vote in Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Billings and Boulder?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 51.5°F in Boulder vs 48.2°F in Billings (3.3°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 92.8 in vs 57.4 in. Annual precipitation: 21.2 in vs 14.3 in.
When is the best time to move from Billings 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 544 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Boulder, CO from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 544 mi and the route typically takes 9h 7m via US 87 and I 90. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Boulder?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $85,364 in Boulder vs $71,855 in Billings — a 18.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Boulder more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Boulder is 12.5% higher than Billings (105.202 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Boulder compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $964,531 in Boulder vs $392,209 in Billings — a 145.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Boulder compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $64,750 in the Boulder MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 194,440 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Billings.
City profiles: Billings, MT · Boulder, CO.