Moving from Billings, MT to Westminster, CO
The drive from Billings, MT to Westminster, CO runs 548 mi — about 9h 7m 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.
548 mi · 9h 7m by car · MT → WY → CO
Distance & route
| Route through | MT → WY → CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 87, I 90, US 212 |
| Major cities en route | Fort Collins, Greeley, Thornton, Denver, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Westminster | 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 |
Moderate COL step-up: 13.1% pricier overall in Westminster than Billings on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Westminster typical home at $527,654 is 13.1% above Billings at $392,209 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Westminster -3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Billings | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| 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" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 48.2°F vs 52.4°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Westminster sees 44.8 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, NORTHGLENN, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 115,546 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $96,145 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 29.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.41 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 13.1% between Billings and Westminster (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Westminster 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
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms — check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — 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 — 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: Westminster 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 Westminster 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: Westminster 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
How much do homes cost in Westminster compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $527,654 in Westminster vs $392,209 in Billings — a 34.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Westminster more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Westminster is 13.1% higher than Billings (105.782 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Billings to Westminster?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 548 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 Westminster?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.4°F in Westminster 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.
How far is Westminster, CO from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 548 mi and the route typically takes 9h 7m 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 Westminster?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,145 in Westminster vs $71,855 in Billings — a 33.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Westminster compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Westminster 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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Billings.
City profiles: Billings, MT · Westminster, CO.