Moving from Billings, MT to Arvada, CO
The drive from Billings, MT to Arvada, CO runs 556 mi — about 9h 23m 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.
556 mi · 9h 23m by car · CO → WY → MT
Distance & route
| Route through | CO → WY → MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 25, US 87, NW |
| Major cities en route | Denver, Lakewood, Centennial, Westminster, Boulder |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Arvada | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 93.526 in Billings to 105.782 in Arvada, a 13.1% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Arvada: 13.1% above Billings on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Arvada -2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Billings | Arvada |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 17°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 88°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | 75.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 17.1" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 75.5 in of snowfall annually at Arvada.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, WHEAT RIDGE 2, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Arvada |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 122,835 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $113,396 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 40.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 31.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.47 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 13.1% between Billings and Arvada (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Arvada MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 173,910 | $49,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 172,890 | $48,280 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 164,250 | $84,370 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 140,150 | $36,010 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 129,510 | $45,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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 — check CDOT alerts before departure.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms — 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: Arvada averages 75.5 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — 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.
- Register to vote in Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Arvada compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $616,566 in Arvada vs $392,209 in Billings — a 57.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Billings to Arvada?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 556 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Billings and Arvada?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.3°F in Arvada vs 48.2°F in Billings (2.1°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 75.5 in vs 57.4 in. Annual precipitation: 17.1 in vs 14.3 in.
How does the job market in Arvada compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Arvada MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Arvada, CO from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 556 mi and the route typically takes 9h 23m via I 25 and US 87. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Arvada more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Arvada is 13.1% higher than Billings (105.782 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Arvada?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,396 in Arvada vs $71,855 in Billings — a 57.8% 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 Billings.
City profiles: Billings, MT · Arvada, CO.