Moving from Billings, MT to Mesa, AZ
The drive from Billings, MT to Mesa, AZ runs 1235 mi β about 22h 42m 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.
1235 mi Β· 22h 42m by car Β· AZ β UT β ID β MT β WY
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β UT β ID β MT β WY |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 15, US 89, US 191 |
| Major cities en route | Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Goodyear, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Mesa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 93.526 in Billings to 103.316 in Mesa, a 10.5% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing step-up: Mesa at $435,134 is 10.5% above Billings at $392,209.
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Mesa -1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Billings | Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 72Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 41Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 106Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 10.8" |
Major climate step-up: 24.1Β°F warmer annual average in Mesa vs Billings.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, E MESA, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 507,478 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $78,779 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 20.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.59 |
Income steps up 10.5%: $71,855 in Billings vs $78,779 in Mesa.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Mesa MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Mesa average 106Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Mesa sees only 10.8 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (24.1Β°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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Billings to Mesa?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1235 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Mesa more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Mesa is 10.5% higher than Billings (103.316 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Mesa compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $435,134 in Mesa vs $392,209 in Billings β a 10.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Mesa compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Mesa MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 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 Mesa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $78,779 in Mesa vs $71,855 in Billings β a 9.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Mesa, AZ from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 1235 mi and the route typically takes 22h 42m via I 15 and US 89. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Billings.
City profiles: Billings, MT Β· Mesa, AZ.