Moving from Boulder, CO to Cambridge, MA
A 1990 mi cross-country move between Boulder and Cambridge is 36h 16m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 10 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1990 mi Β· 36h 16m by car Β· MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL β IA β NE β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL β IA β NE β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 80 EXPRESS, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Lowell, Boston, Brockton, Worcester, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Boulder | Cambridge | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.202 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.741 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 157.02 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 105.202 vs 108.266 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 2.9% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Boulder -2.0%, Cambridge -1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Boulder | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 92.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 21.2" | 49.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Boulder (51.5Β°F) and Cambridge (51.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BOULDER, CO US, JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Boulder | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,274 | 117,794 |
| Median household income | $85,364 | $126,469 |
| Median age | 28.8 | 30.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 36.9% | 29.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.38 |
Cambridge households earn about 2.9% more than Boulder at the median β $85,364 β $126,469 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Boulder vs Cambridge?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $126,469 in Cambridge vs $85,364 in Boulder β a 48.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Cambridge more expensive than Boulder?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cambridge is 2.9% higher than Boulder (108.266 vs 105.202, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Cambridge compared to Boulder?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,041,569 in Cambridge vs $964,531 in Boulder β a 8.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Cambridge, MA from Boulder, CO?
The driving distance is 1990 mi and the route typically takes 36h 16m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Boulder to Cambridge?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1990 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β 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 Boulder.
City profiles: Boulder, CO Β· Cambridge, MA.