Moving from Billings, MT to Elizabeth, NJ
It is 2036 mi and 36h 31m from Billings to Elizabeth — a cross-country move across 9 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
2036 mi · 36h 31m by car · NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL → WI → MN → ND → MT
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL → WI → MN → ND → MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 80, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Newark, Jersey City, Yonkers, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Elizabeth is 20.4% above Billings — one of the larger spreads between U.S. metros.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
20.4% jump on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Billings | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 56°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 26°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 46.6" |
Expect 7.3°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Heavy-snow city: expect 31.5 in of snowfall annually at Elizabeth.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.96 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 20.4% lower in Elizabeth than Billings.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Elizabeth MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin — check 511wi.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms — check MnDOT 511.
- I-29 and I-94 can close without notice in winter storms; travel bans are declared more than once most winters.
- 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: Elizabeth averages 31.5 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 New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $392,209 in Billings — a 36.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 20.4% higher than Billings (112.563 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 2036 mi and the route typically takes 36h 31m via I 94 and I 80. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $71,855 in Billings — a 11.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Billings to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2036 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 Elizabeth?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.5°F in Elizabeth vs 48.2°F in Billings (7.3°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 31.5 in vs 57.4 in. Annual precipitation: 46.6 in vs 14.3 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Billings.
City profiles: Billings, MT · Elizabeth, NJ.