Moving from Cambridge, MA to Boulder, CO
A 1990 mi cross-country move between Cambridge and Boulder is 36h 16m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 10 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1990 mi Β· 36h 16m by car Β· MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL β IA β NE β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL β IA β NE β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 80 EXPRESS, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Lowell, Boston, Brockton, Worcester, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cambridge | Boulder | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 105.202 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 82.741 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 96.052 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 157.02 | 100.0 |
Cambridge and Boulder sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Boulder run about 2.8% cheaper β ZHVI $1,041,569 β $964,531 (2026-03).
YoY change: Cambridge -1.5%, Boulder -2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cambridge | Boulder |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 92.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 49.4" | 21.2" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 51.2Β°F vs 51.5Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Boulder sees 92.8 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US, BOULDER, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cambridge | Boulder |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,794 | 106,274 |
| Median household income | $126,469 | $85,364 |
| Median age | 30.5 | 28.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.8% | 36.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.42 |
Boulder households earn about 2.8% less than Cambridge at the median β $126,469 β $85,364 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Boulder MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 19,760 | $91,230 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 19,640 | $47,560 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 19,360 | $50,060 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 17,660 | $37,440 |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 17,320 | $131,150 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Massachusetts 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Boulder averages 92.8 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β 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
Is Boulder more expensive than Cambridge?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Boulder is 2.8% lower than Cambridge (105.202 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Boulder compared to Cambridge?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $964,531 in Boulder vs $1,041,569 in Cambridge β a 7.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Cambridge to Boulder?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1990 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Boulder, CO from Cambridge, MA?
The driving distance is 1990 mi and the route typically takes 36h 16m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Cambridge vs Boulder?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $85,364 in Boulder vs $126,469 in Cambridge β a 32.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cambridge.
City profiles: Cambridge, MA Β· Boulder, CO.