Moving from Aurora, CO to Billings, MT
Relocating 566 mi from Aurora to Billings is a 9h 24m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
566 mi Β· 9h 24m by car Β· CO β WY β MT
Distance & route
| Route through | CO β WY β MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 25, US 87, E470 |
| Major cities en route | Centennial, Denver, Thornton, Lakewood, Arvada |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Aurora | 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 |
Moderate COL drop: 11.6% cheaper overall in Billings than Aurora on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 11.6% under Aurora β $463,081 β $392,209 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Aurora -4.3%, Billings +1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Aurora | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 57.4" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 14.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 57.4 in of snowfall annually at Billings.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHERRY CREEK DAM, CO US, BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Aurora | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 390,201 | 118,321 |
| Median household income | $84,320 | $71,855 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.4% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.73 | 2.35 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 11.6% lower in Billings than Aurora.
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
- 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.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
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
When is the best time to move from Aurora to Billings?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 566 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Billings compare to Aurora?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,000 in the Billings MSA vs $58,490 in the Aurora 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 much do homes cost in Billings compared to Aurora?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $392,209 in Billings vs $463,081 in Aurora β a 15.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Billings more expensive than Aurora?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Billings is 11.6% lower than Aurora (93.526 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Aurora vs Billings?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,855 in Billings vs $84,320 in Aurora β a 14.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Billings, MT from Aurora, CO?
The driving distance is 566 mi and the route typically takes 9h 24m via I 25 and US 87. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Aurora.
City profiles: Aurora, CO Β· Billings, MT.