Moving from Billings, MT to Lowell, MA
Cross-country relocations like Billings, MT β Lowell, MA cover 2225 mi and about 40h 35m of driving through 11 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.
2225 mi Β· 40h 35m by car Β· MT β SD β MN β WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | MT β SD β MN β WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 14, SD 79 |
| Major cities en route | Sioux Falls, Rochester, Madison, Rockford, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Lowell | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 93.526 in Billings to 108.266 in Lowell, a 15.8% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Lowell: 15.8% above Billings on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Lowell +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Billings | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 48.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, LOWELL, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 114,799 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $76,205 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 18% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.71 |
Income steps up 15.8%: $71,855 in Billings vs $76,205 in Lowell.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Billings to Lowell?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2225 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Lowell?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,205 in Lowell vs $71,855 in Billings β a 6.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Lowell, MA from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 2225 mi and the route typically takes 40h 35m via I 90 and US 14. The trip crosses 11 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Lowell more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lowell is 15.8% higher than Billings (108.266 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Lowell compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $480,319 in Lowell vs $392,209 in Billings β a 22.5% higher 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 Β· Lowell, MA.