Moving from Billings, MT to Des Moines, IA
It is 942 mi between Billings and Des Moines — roughly 16h 28m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 4 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.
942 mi · 16h 28m by car · IA → SD → WY → MT
Distance & route
| Route through | IA → SD → WY → MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 212, I 29 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Sioux Falls |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 93.526 vs 91.701 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 2.0% lower home prices — ZHVI goes from $392,209 to $208,166 moving to Des Moines.
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Billings | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 36.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Billings (48.2°F) and Des Moines (50.9°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Des Moines averages 36.5 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: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.36 |
Households in Des Moines earn about 2.0% less at the median — ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Des Moines MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 48,550 | $46,670 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 35,680 | $36,420 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 34,890 | $78,150 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 33,360 | $45,430 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 30,210 | $30,100 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and Iowa
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Iowa'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: Des Moines averages 36.5 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornado season runs April through June — identify a safe room or interior space early.
- 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 Iowa after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Billings vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $71,855 in Billings — a 11.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Des Moines more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 2.0% lower than Billings (91.701 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Des Moines, IA from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 942 mi and the route typically takes 16h 28m via I 90 and US 212. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Billings to Des Moines?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 942 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 Des Moines?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.9°F in Des Moines vs 48.2°F in Billings (2.7°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 36.5 in vs 57.4 in. Annual precipitation: 36.6 in vs 14.3 in.
How much do homes cost in Des Moines compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $392,209 in Billings — a 46.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Des Moines compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 383,190 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 · Des Moines, IA.