Moving from Billings, MT to Columbia, MO
Relocating 1150 mi from Billings to Columbia is a 20h 15m drive through 6 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.
1150 mi · 20h 15m by car · MO → IA → NE → SD → WY → MT
Distance & route
| Route through | MO → IA → NE → SD → WY → MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 29, US 212 |
| Major cities en route | Lee S Summit, Independence, Kansas City, Overland Park, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Columbia | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 89.438 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 85.966 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 69.248 | 100.0 |
Billings and Columbia sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP — the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Columbia run about 4.4% cheaper — ZHVI $392,209 → $321,091 (2026-03).
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Columbia +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Billings | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 56°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 23°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | 17.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 44.8" |
Expect 8.0°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Columbia sees 17.4 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, COLUMBIA U OF M, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 127,200 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $64,488 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 29.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 30.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.48 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 4.4% lower in Columbia than Billings.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Columbia MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 11,920 | $39,450 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 10,570 | $28,450 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 9,410 | $73,610 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 8,040 | $48,850 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 7,510 | $32,430 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards — check SD 511 November through April.
- 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: Columbia averages 17.4 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornadoes are common April through June — identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Columbia compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $321,091 in Columbia vs $392,209 in Billings — a 18.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Columbia compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,410 in the Columbia MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 97,940 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Billings to Columbia?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1150 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Billings and Columbia?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 56.2°F in Columbia vs 48.2°F in Billings (8.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 17.4 in vs 57.4 in. Annual precipitation: 44.8 in vs 14.3 in.
How far is Columbia, MO from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 1150 mi and the route typically takes 20h 15m via I 90 and I 29. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Columbia?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,488 in Columbia vs $71,855 in Billings — a 10.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Columbia more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Columbia is 4.4% lower than Billings (89.438 vs 93.526, 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 Billings.
City profiles: Billings, MT · Columbia, MO.