Moving from Billings, MT to Little Rock, AR
Cross-country relocations like Billings, MT → Little Rock, AR cover 1511 mi and about 25h 26m of driving through 6 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1511 mi · 25h 26m by car · AR → OK → KS → CO → WY → MT
Distance & route
| Route through | AR → OK → KS → CO → WY → MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, I 25 |
| Major cities en route | Broken Arrow, Tulsa, Wichita, Aurora, Denver |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Little Rock | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 89.364 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 74.635 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 93.577 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 68.295 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Little Rock 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 Little Rock is 4.5% below Billings — $392,209 vs $216,519 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Little Rock +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Billings | Little Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 62°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 31°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | 3.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 50.4" |
Climate warms by 13.5°F on the annual average — 48.2°F → 61.7°F.
Little Rock averages 3.8 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, LITTLE ROCK AP ADAMS FLD, AR US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Little Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 202,739 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $60,583 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 36.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.33 |
Income steps down 4.5%: $71,855 in Billings vs $60,583 in Little Rock.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Little Rock MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 43,980 | $37,850 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 33,840 | $37,820 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 31,830 | $31,870 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 30,330 | $67,930 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 29,950 | $27,320 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and Arkansas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arkansas'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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April — check CDOT alerts before departure.
- 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Little Rock average 92°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: Little Rock averages 50.4 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (13.5°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Tornado risk peaks April through May — identify a safe room 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 Arkansas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Little Rock, AR from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 1511 mi and the route typically takes 25h 26m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Billings and Little Rock?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 61.7°F in Little Rock vs 48.2°F in Billings (13.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 3.8 in vs 57.4 in. Annual precipitation: 50.4 in vs 14.3 in.
Is Little Rock more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Little Rock is 4.5% lower than Billings (89.364 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Billings to Little Rock?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1511 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Little Rock?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,583 in Little Rock vs $71,855 in Billings — a 15.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Little Rock compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $216,519 in Little Rock vs $392,209 in Billings — a 44.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Little Rock compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,100 in the Little Rock MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 345,890 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 · Little Rock, AR.