Moving from Aurora, CO to Boulder, CO
It is a short 40 mi hop from Aurora, CO to Boulder, CO β roughly 53 min behind the wheel. Even at local distance, household costs and housing values can diverge more than the mileage suggests. Below you will find a direct comparison on BEA cost-of-living, Zillow home values, Census demographics, BLS wages, and NOAA climate.
40 mi Β· 53 min by car Β· CO
Distance & route
| Route through | CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 36, I 70, I 270 |
| 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 | 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 |
Aurora and Boulder sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $463,081 in Aurora to $964,531 in Boulder, a 0.5% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Aurora -4.3%, Boulder -2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Aurora | Boulder |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 92.8" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 21.2" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 50.8Β°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: CHERRY CREEK DAM, CO US, BOULDER, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Aurora | Boulder |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 390,201 | 106,274 |
| Median household income | $84,320 | $85,364 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 28.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.4% | 36.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.73 | 2.42 |
Household income lines up β $84,320 vs $85,364 on ACS 5-year 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
How far is Boulder, CO from Aurora, CO?
The driving distance is 40 mi and the route typically takes 53 min via US 36 and I 70. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Boulder compared to Aurora?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $964,531 in Boulder vs $463,081 in Aurora β a 108.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Boulder compare to Aurora?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $64,750 in the Boulder MSA vs $58,490 in the Aurora 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.
When is the best time to move from Aurora to Boulder?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 40 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Boulder more expensive than Aurora?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Boulder is 0.5% lower than Aurora (105.202 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Aurora vs Boulder?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $85,364 in Boulder vs $84,320 in Aurora β a 1.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Aurora.
City profiles: Aurora, CO Β· Boulder, CO.