Moving from Billings, MT to Grand Rapids, MI
Relocating 1306 mi from Billings to Grand Rapids is a 23h 52m drive through 5 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.
1306 mi · 23h 52m by car · MI → WI → MN → ND → MT
Distance & route
| Route through | MI → WI → MN → ND → MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 90, I 96 |
| Major cities en route | Milwaukee, Madison, St Paul, Minneapolis, Fargo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Grand Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 95.546 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 93.775 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 93.711 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 86.596 | 100.0 |
Billings and Grand Rapids 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
Zillow ZHVI drops from $392,209 in Billings to $303,298 in Grand Rapids, a 2.2% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Grand Rapids +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Billings | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 48°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 17°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 82°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | 74.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 39.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 48.2°F vs 48.0°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Grand Rapids sees 74.9 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, E GRAND RAPIDS, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 197,768 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $65,526 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 32.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 26.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.47 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 2.2% lower in Grand Rapids than Billings.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Grand Rapids MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Production Occupations | 74,660 | $41,130 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 59,870 | $43,570 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 50,990 | $39,450 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 42,840 | $36,380 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 41,330 | $30,060 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and Michigan
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Michigan'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
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
- 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: Grand Rapids averages 74.9 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 Michigan after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Billings to Grand Rapids?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1306 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Grand Rapids, MI from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 1306 mi and the route typically takes 23h 52m via I 94 and I 90. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Grand Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,526 in Grand Rapids vs $71,855 in Billings — a 8.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Grand Rapids more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Grand Rapids is 2.2% higher than Billings (95.546 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Grand Rapids compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,290 in the Grand Rapids MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 536,790 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Billings and Grand Rapids?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 48.0°F in Grand Rapids vs 48.2°F in Billings (0.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 74.9 in vs 57.4 in. Annual precipitation: 39.6 in vs 14.3 in.
How much do homes cost in Grand Rapids compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $303,298 in Grand Rapids vs $392,209 in Billings — a 22.7% 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 · Grand Rapids, MI.