Moving from Boulder, CO to Billings, MT
A move from Boulder, CO to Billings, MT covers 544 mi and around 9h 7m of driving through 3 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
544 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, Westminster, Denver |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Boulder | Billings | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.202 | 93.526 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.741 | 72.437 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 96.006 | 100.0 |
| Services | 157.02 | 77.364 | 100.0 |
Billings is 11.1% cheaper than Boulder overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Billings is 11.1% below Boulder — $964,531 vs $392,209 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Boulder -2.0%, Billings +1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Boulder | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 48°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 88°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 92.8" | 57.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 21.2" | 14.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Boulder (51.5°F) and Billings (48.2°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Billings averages 57.4 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BOULDER, CO US, BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Boulder | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,274 | 118,321 |
| Median household income | $85,364 | $71,855 |
| Median age | 28.8 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 36.9% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.35 |
Median household income in Billings is 11.1% below Boulder ($85,364 → $71,855, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Billings MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 11,390 | $41,920 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,620 | $28,940 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 9,260 | $36,980 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 8,020 | $43,020 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 6,880 | $79,030 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado and Montana
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Montana'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: Billings averages 57.4 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Dry climate: Billings sees only 14.3 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 Montana after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Boulder and Billings?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 48.2°F in Billings vs 51.5°F in Boulder (3.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 57.4 in vs 92.8 in. Annual precipitation: 14.3 in vs 21.2 in.
How much do homes cost in Billings compared to Boulder?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $392,209 in Billings vs $964,531 in Boulder — a 59.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Billings compare to Boulder?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,000 in the Billings MSA vs $64,750 in the Boulder MSA, on total employment of 89,600 and 194,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Billings more expensive than Boulder?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Billings is 11.1% lower than Boulder (93.526 vs 105.202, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Billings, MT from Boulder, CO?
The driving distance is 544 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 Boulder vs Billings?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,855 in Billings vs $85,364 in Boulder — a 15.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Boulder to Billings?
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 Boulder.
City profiles: Boulder, CO · Billings, MT.