Moving from Billings, MT to Centennial, CO
The drive from Billings, MT to Centennial, CO 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
| Billings | Centennial | 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 Centennial, a 13.1% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Centennial: 13.1% above Billings on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Centennial -2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Billings | Centennial |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 15.0" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, DENVER CENTENNIAL AP, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Centennial |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 107,386 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $128,167 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 41.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 37% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.59 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 13.1% between Billings and Centennial (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Centennial 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 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.
Frequently asked
Is Centennial more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Centennial 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 far is Centennial, CO from Billings, MT?
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 household income compare in Billings vs Centennial?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $128,167 in Centennial vs $71,855 in Billings β a 78.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Centennial compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $649,086 in Centennial vs $392,209 in Billings β a 65.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Centennial compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Centennial 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.
When is the best time to move from Billings to Centennial?
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 Billings.
City profiles: Billings, MT Β· Centennial, CO.