Moving from Billings, MT to Fort Collins, CO
Relocating 501 mi from Billings to Fort Collins is a 8h 23m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
501 mi · 8h 23m by car · CO → WY → MT
Distance & route
| Route through | CO → WY → MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 25, US 87, I 90 BUSINESS |
| Major cities en route | Greeley |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Fort Collins | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 101.128 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 82.156 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 96.052 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 120.592 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 8.1% above Billings — 93.526 → 101.128 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
8.1% jump on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Fort Collins -1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Billings | Fort Collins |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | 51.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 15.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 51.4 in of snowfall annually at Fort Collins.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, FT COLLINS, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Fort Collins |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 169,705 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $83,598 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 30.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 34.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.4 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 8.1% higher in Fort Collins than Billings.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Fort Collins MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 19,130 | $46,140 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 19,060 | $39,090 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 17,830 | $35,050 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 12,630 | $79,180 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 12,170 | $84,720 |
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: Fort Collins averages 51.4 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 Fort Collins compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $563,815 in Fort Collins vs $392,209 in Billings — a 43.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Fort Collins?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $83,598 in Fort Collins vs $71,855 in Billings — a 16.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Fort Collins, CO from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 501 mi and the route typically takes 8h 23m via I 25 and US 87. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Fort Collins more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fort Collins is 8.1% higher than Billings (101.128 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Fort Collins compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,820 in the Fort Collins MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 173,230 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 Fort Collins?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 501 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 Fort Collins?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.7°F in Fort Collins vs 48.2°F in Billings (2.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 51.4 in vs 57.4 in. Annual precipitation: 15.9 in vs 14.3 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Billings.
City profiles: Billings, MT · Fort Collins, CO.