Moving from Syracuse, NY to Boulder, CO
A 1679 mi cross-country move between Syracuse and Boulder is 30h 34m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 8 states. Nearly every household line — rent, taxes, climate, commute — usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1679 mi · 30h 34m by car · NY → PA → OH → IN → IL → IA → NE → CO
Distance & route
| Route through | NY → PA → OH → IN → IL → IA → NE → CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 80, I 80 EXPRESS |
| Major cities en route | Rochester, Buffalo, Cleveland, Akron, Toledo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Syracuse | Boulder | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.742 | 105.202 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 133.405 | 82.741 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.693 | 96.052 | 100.0 |
| Services | 80.656 | 157.02 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 9.9% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 9.9% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $210,251 to $964,531 moving to Boulder.
YoY change: Syracuse +5.1%, Boulder -2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Syracuse | Boulder |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 82°F | 88°F |
| Annual snowfall | 127.8" | 92.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 39.9" | 21.2" |
Annual average temperatures in Syracuse (48.5°F) and Boulder (51.5°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Boulder averages 92.8 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: SYRACUSE HANCOCK INTL AP, NY US, BOULDER, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Syracuse | Boulder |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 146,211 | 106,274 |
| Median household income | $45,845 | $85,364 |
| Median age | 31.9 | 28.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 36.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.42 |
Boulder households earn about 9.9% more than Syracuse at the median — $45,845 → $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 New York 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 — 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — 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 — 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 — 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
When is the best time to move from Syracuse to Boulder?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1679 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Boulder more expensive than Syracuse?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Boulder is 9.9% higher than Syracuse (105.202 vs 95.742, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Boulder, CO from Syracuse, NY?
The driving distance is 1679 mi and the route typically takes 30h 34m via I 90 and I 80. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Boulder compare to Syracuse?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $64,750 in the Boulder MSA vs $49,350 in the Syracuse MSA, on total employment of 194,440 and 294,490 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Boulder compared to Syracuse?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $964,531 in Boulder vs $210,251 in Syracuse — a 358.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Syracuse and Boulder?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 51.5°F in Boulder vs 48.5°F in Syracuse (3.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 92.8 in vs 127.8 in. Annual precipitation: 21.2 in vs 39.9 in.
How does household income compare in Syracuse vs Boulder?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $85,364 in Boulder vs $45,845 in Syracuse — a 86.2% higher 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 Syracuse.
City profiles: Syracuse, NY · Boulder, CO.