Moving from Centennial, CO to Boston, MA
Cross-country relocations like Centennial, CO β Boston, MA cover 1994 mi and about 36h 22m of driving through 10 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1994 mi Β· 36h 22m 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 | Brockton, Cambridge, Lowell, Providence, Worcester |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Centennial | Boston | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Centennial (105.782) and Boston (108.266) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Boston: 2.3% above Centennial on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Centennial -2.8%, Boston -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Centennial | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 49.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 15.0" | 43.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 49.2 in of snowfall annually at Boston.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DENVER CENTENNIAL AP, CO US, BOSTON LOGAN INTL AP, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Centennial | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,386 | 663,972 |
| Median household income | $128,167 | $94,755 |
| Median age | 41.8 | 33.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37% | 28.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.59 | 2.38 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 2.3% between Centennial and Boston (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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: Boston averages 49.2 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 Massachusetts after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Centennial to Boston?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1994 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Centennial vs Boston?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $94,755 in Boston vs $128,167 in Centennial β a 26.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Boston more expensive than Centennial?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Boston is 2.3% higher than Centennial (108.266 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Boston compared to Centennial?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $798,217 in Boston vs $649,086 in Centennial β a 23.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Boston, MA from Centennial, CO?
The driving distance is 1994 mi and the route typically takes 36h 22m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Centennial.
City profiles: Centennial, CO Β· Boston, MA.