Moving from Billings, MT to Atlanta, GA
Cross-country relocations like Billings, MT β Atlanta, GA cover 1823 mi and about 32h 53m of driving through 9 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.
1823 mi Β· 32h 53m by car Β· GA β TN β KY β IL β MO β IA β NE β SD β MT
Distance & route
| Route through | GA β TN β KY β IL β MO β IA β NE β SD β MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 29, I 24 |
| Major cities en route | South Fulton, Sandy Springs, Chattanooga, Murfreesboro, Clarksville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Atlanta | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 100.058 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 96.239 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 100.416 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 111.022 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Atlanta is 7.0% higher than Billings, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values in Billings and Atlanta are within 5% of each other ($392,209 vs $385,599 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Atlanta -3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Billings | Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 48.1" |
Climate warms by 14.1Β°F on the annual average β 48.2Β°F β 62.3Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, ATLANTA FULTON CO AP, GA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 499,287 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $81,938 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 32.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.16 |
Income steps up 7.0%: $71,855 in Billings vs $81,938 in Atlanta.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Atlanta MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 350,210 | $43,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 317,700 | $40,250 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 275,750 | $35,560 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 257,700 | $79,020 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 242,360 | $28,720 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and Georgia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Georgia'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
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Atlanta average 90Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (14.1Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Tropical storms are possible August through October on the Atlantic coast.
- 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 Georgia after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Atlanta, GA from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 1823 mi and the route typically takes 32h 53m via I 90 and I 29. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Billings to Atlanta?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1823 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Atlanta compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,370 in the Atlanta MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 2,817,660 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Atlanta?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,938 in Atlanta vs $71,855 in Billings β a 14.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Atlanta more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Atlanta is 7.0% higher than Billings (100.058 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Atlanta compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $385,599 in Atlanta vs $392,209 in Billings β a 1.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Billings.
City profiles: Billings, MT Β· Atlanta, GA.