Moving from Centennial, CO to Billings, MT
The drive from Centennial, CO to Billings, MT runs 569 mi β about 9h 34m 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.
569 mi Β· 9h 34m by car Β· MT β WY β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | MT β WY β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 87, I 90, US 212 |
| Major cities en route | Fort Collins, Greeley, Boulder, Thornton, Westminster |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Centennial | Billings | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 93.526 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 72.437 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 96.006 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 77.364 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Billings are 11.6% below Centennial β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Billings typical home at $392,209 is 11.6% under Centennial at $649,086 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Centennial -2.8%, Billings +1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Centennial | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 57.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 15.0" | 14.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 50.2Β°F vs 48.2Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Billings sees 57.4 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DENVER CENTENNIAL AP, CO US, BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Centennial | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,386 | 118,321 |
| Median household income | $128,167 | $71,855 |
| Median age | 41.8 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.59 | 2.35 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 11.6% between Centennial and Billings (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Billings MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 11,390 | $41,920 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,620 | $28,940 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 9,260 | $36,980 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 8,020 | $43,020 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 6,880 | $79,030 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado and Montana
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Montana'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
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β 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 β 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: Billings averages 57.4 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Dry climate: Billings sees only 14.3 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Montana after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Billings compared to Centennial?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $392,209 in Billings vs $649,086 in Centennial β a 39.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Billings more expensive than Centennial?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Billings is 11.6% lower than Centennial (93.526 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Billings, MT from Centennial, CO?
The driving distance is 569 mi and the route typically takes 9h 34m via US 87 and I 90. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Billings compare to Centennial?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,000 in the Billings MSA vs $58,490 in the Centennial MSA, on total employment of 89,600 and 1,590,330 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Centennial vs Billings?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,855 in Billings vs $128,167 in Centennial β a 43.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Centennial to Billings?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 569 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 Centennial.
City profiles: Centennial, CO Β· Billings, MT.