Moving from Centennial, CO to Boulder, CO
The drive from Centennial to Boulder covers 43 mi in about 58 min. Local moves still matter β 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.
43 mi Β· 58 min by car Β· CO
Distance & route
| Route through | CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CO 88, I 25, US 36 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Lakewood, Denver, Thornton, Arvada |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Centennial | 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 |
Boulder and Centennial are close on the overall BEA RPP (105.782 vs 105.202); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Boulder typical home at $964,531 is 0.5% above Centennial at $649,086 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Centennial -2.8%, Boulder -2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Centennial | Boulder |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 92.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 15.0" | 21.2" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 50.2Β°F vs 51.5Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Boulder sees 92.8 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, BOULDER, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Centennial | Boulder |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,386 | 106,274 |
| Median household income | $128,167 | $85,364 |
| Median age | 41.8 | 28.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37% | 36.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.59 | 2.42 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 0.5% between Centennial 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 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
- 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: Boulder averages 92.8 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β 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
When is the best time to move from Centennial to Boulder?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 43 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Boulder more expensive than Centennial?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Boulder is 0.5% lower than Centennial (105.202 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Boulder, CO from Centennial, CO?
The driving distance is 43 mi and the route typically takes 58 min via CO 88 and I 25. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Centennial vs Boulder?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $85,364 in Boulder vs $128,167 in Centennial β a 33.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Boulder compare to Centennial?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $64,750 in the Boulder MSA vs $58,490 in the Centennial 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.
How much do homes cost in Boulder compared to Centennial?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $964,531 in Boulder vs $649,086 in Centennial β a 48.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Centennial.
City profiles: Centennial, CO Β· Boulder, CO.