Moving from Billings, MT to Thornton, CO
Relocating 544 mi from Billings to Thornton is a 9h 5m 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.
544 mi · 9h 5m 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 | Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Centennial, Arvada |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Thornton | 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 |
Overall prices come in 13.1% above Billings — 93.526 → 105.782 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
13.1% jump on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Thornton -3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Billings | Thornton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 91°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | 44.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 14.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 44.8 in of snowfall annually at Thornton.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, NORTHGLENN, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Thornton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 142,878 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $100,985 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 22.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.88 |
Expect median household income to rise 13.1% — $71,855 → $100,985 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Thornton 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: Thornton averages 44.8 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Thornton average 91°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Thornton sees only 14.5 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 Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Thornton more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Thornton 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 Thornton, CO from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 544 mi and the route typically takes 9h 5m via I 25 and US 87. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Thornton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $100,985 in Thornton vs $71,855 in Billings — a 40.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Thornton compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Thornton 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 much do homes cost in Thornton compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $502,945 in Thornton vs $392,209 in Billings — a 28.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Billings and Thornton?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.4°F in Thornton vs 48.2°F in Billings (4.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 44.8 in vs 57.4 in. Annual precipitation: 14.5 in vs 14.3 in.
When is the best time to move from Billings to Thornton?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 544 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — 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 · Thornton, CO.