Moving from Billings, MT to Chattanooga, TN
Moving from Billings, MT to Chattanooga, TN is a 1715 mi cross-country relocation — about 30h 51m of driving through 8 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1715 mi · 30h 51m by car · TN → KY → IL → MO → IA → NE → SD → MT
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → KY → IL → MO → IA → NE → SD → MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 29, I 24 |
| Major cities en route | Murfreesboro, Clarksville, St Louis, Columbia, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Chattanooga | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 91.464 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 74.209 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 95.994 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 76.55 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Chattanooga and Billings is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Chattanooga is 2.2% below Billings ($319,579 vs $392,209 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Chattanooga -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Billings | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 62°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 32°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 91°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | 3.6" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 55.0" |
Chattanooga runs 13.7°F warmer on the annual average (48.2°F vs 61.9°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Chattanooga averages 3.6 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, CHATTANOOGA LOVELL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 182,832 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $61,028 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 36.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.35 |
Median household income in Chattanooga is 2.2% below Billings ($71,855 → $61,028, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Chattanooga MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 34,970 | $39,520 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 27,430 | $36,320 |
| Production Occupations | 26,510 | $43,150 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 24,780 | $27,910 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 22,460 | $31,750 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee'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
- 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 — check SD 511 November through April.
- 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Chattanooga average 91°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Chattanooga averages 55.0 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (13.7°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Billings to Chattanooga?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1715 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Chattanooga more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chattanooga is 2.2% lower than Billings (91.464 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Chattanooga, TN from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 1715 mi and the route typically takes 30h 51m via I 90 and I 29. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Billings and Chattanooga?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 61.9°F in Chattanooga vs 48.2°F in Billings (13.7°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 3.6 in vs 57.4 in. Annual precipitation: 55.0 in vs 14.3 in.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Chattanooga?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $61,028 in Chattanooga vs $71,855 in Billings — a 15.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Chattanooga compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $319,579 in Chattanooga vs $392,209 in Billings — a 18.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Chattanooga compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,150 in the Chattanooga MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 261,750 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Billings.
City profiles: Billings, MT · Chattanooga, TN.