Moving from Denver, CO to Billings, MT
Relocating 556 mi from Denver to Billings is a 9h 20m 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.
556 mi · 9h 20m by car · CO → WY → MT
Distance & route
| Route through | CO → WY → MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 25, US 87, I 270 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Centennial, Lakewood, Arvada, Westminster |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Denver | Billings | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 93.526 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 72.437 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 96.006 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 77.364 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 11.6% cheaper overall in Billings than Denver on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
11.6% drop on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Denver -4.3%, Billings +1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Denver | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 48°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 90°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 49.0" | 57.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 15.4" | 14.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 57.4 in of snowfall annually at Billings.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DENVER-STAPLETON, CO US, BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Denver | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 713,734 | 118,321 |
| Median household income | $91,681 | $71,855 |
| Median age | 35.2 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.8% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.17 | 2.35 |
Expect median household income to fall 11.6% — $91,681 → $71,855 per ACS 5-year estimates (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
- 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: 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
How far is Billings, MT from Denver, CO?
The driving distance is 556 mi and the route typically takes 9h 20m via I 25 and US 87. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Denver and Billings?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 48.2°F in Billings vs 51.4°F in Denver (3.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 57.4 in vs 49.0 in. Annual precipitation: 14.3 in vs 15.4 in.
When is the best time to move from Denver 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 556 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Denver vs Billings?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,855 in Billings vs $91,681 in Denver — a 21.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Billings compared to Denver?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $392,209 in Billings vs $539,666 in Denver — a 27.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Billings compare to Denver?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,000 in the Billings MSA vs $58,490 in the Denver MSA, on total employment of 89,600 and 1,590,330 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Billings more expensive than Denver?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Billings is 11.6% lower than Denver (93.526 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Denver.
City profiles: Denver, CO · Billings, MT.