Moving from Billings, MT to Memphis, TN
The drive from Billings, MT to Memphis, TN runs 1477 mi — about 27h 5m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1477 mi · 27h 5m by car · TN → AR → MO → IA → SD → WY → MT
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → AR → MO → IA → SD → WY → MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 29, US 212 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Overland Park, Lee S Summit, Olathe, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Billings (93.526) and Memphis (92.179) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Memphis: 1.4% below Billings on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Billings | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 54.9" |
Major climate step-up: 15.2°F warmer annual average in Memphis vs Billings.
Light snow year: Memphis gets around 2.7 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.47 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 1.4% between Billings and Memphis (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Memphis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 106,230 | $38,330 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 83,120 | $40,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 51,140 | $28,230 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 50,680 | $32,680 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 39,480 | $73,120 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee'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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Memphis 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: Memphis averages 54.9 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (15.2°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $71,855 in Billings — a 28.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Memphis, TN from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 1477 mi and the route typically takes 27h 5m via I 90 and I 29. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Billings to Memphis?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1477 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Memphis more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 1.4% lower than Billings (92.179 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $392,209 in Billings — a 63.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Billings and Memphis?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.4°F in Memphis vs 48.2°F in Billings (15.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 2.7 in vs 57.4 in. Annual precipitation: 54.9 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 · Memphis, TN.