Moving from Fort Collins, CO to Billings, MT
It is 501 mi between Fort Collins and Billings — roughly 8h 23m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
501 mi · 8h 23m by car · CO → WY → MT
Distance & route
| Route through | CO → WY → MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 25, US 87, I 90 BUSINESS |
| Major cities en route | Greeley |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Collins | Billings | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.128 | 93.526 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.156 | 72.437 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 96.006 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.592 | 77.364 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 7.5% moving from Fort Collins to Billings — meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $563,815 in Fort Collins to $392,209 in Billings, a 7.5% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Fort Collins -1.4%, Billings +1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Fort Collins | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 48°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 51.4" | 57.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 15.9" | 14.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 50.7°F vs 48.2°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Billings sees 57.4 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: FT COLLINS, CO US, BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Collins | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,705 | 118,321 |
| Median household income | $83,598 | $71,855 |
| Median age | 30.6 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.3% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.35 |
Households in Billings earn about 7.5% less at the median — ACS 5-year 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
What is the climate difference between Fort Collins and Billings?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 48.2°F in Billings vs 50.7°F in Fort Collins (2.5°F colder). Annual snowfall: 57.4 in vs 51.4 in. Annual precipitation: 14.3 in vs 15.9 in.
How far is Billings, MT from Fort Collins, CO?
The driving distance is 501 mi and the route typically takes 8h 23m via I 25 and US 87. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Billings compared to Fort Collins?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $392,209 in Billings vs $563,815 in Fort Collins — a 30.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Billings more expensive than Fort Collins?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Billings is 7.5% lower than Fort Collins (93.526 vs 101.128, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Billings compare to Fort Collins?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,000 in the Billings MSA vs $50,820 in the Fort Collins MSA, on total employment of 89,600 and 173,230 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Fort Collins vs Billings?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,855 in Billings vs $83,598 in Fort Collins — a 14.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Fort Collins 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 501 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 Fort Collins.
City profiles: Fort Collins, CO · Billings, MT.