Moving from Billings, MT to Milwaukee, WI
Relocating 1176 mi from Billings to Milwaukee is a 20h 21m drive through 4 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.
1176 mi · 20h 21m by car · WI → MN → ND → MT
Distance & route
| Route through | WI → MN → ND → MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 90, I 694 |
| Major cities en route | Madison, St Paul, Minneapolis, Fargo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Milwaukee | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 96.937 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 91.59 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 93.787 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 97.111 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level — BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
3.6% drop on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Milwaukee +3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Billings | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 48°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 83°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | 39.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 33.8" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 39.5 in of snowfall annually at Milwaukee.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 569,756 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $51,888 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 32.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 17.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.47 |
Expect median household income to fall 3.6% — $71,855 → $51,888 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Milwaukee MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 96,990 | $45,330 |
| Production Occupations | 76,240 | $46,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 72,420 | $39,810 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 71,930 | $38,320 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 66,240 | $29,690 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and Wisconsin
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Wisconsin'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
- 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: Milwaukee averages 39.5 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 Wisconsin after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Billings vs Milwaukee?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,888 in Milwaukee vs $71,855 in Billings — a 27.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Billings and Milwaukee?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 48.3°F in Milwaukee vs 48.2°F in Billings (0.1°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 39.5 in vs 57.4 in. Annual precipitation: 33.8 in vs 14.3 in.
Is Milwaukee more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Milwaukee is 3.6% higher than Billings (96.937 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 Milwaukee?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1176 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Milwaukee, WI from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 1176 mi and the route typically takes 20h 21m via I 94 and I 90. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Milwaukee compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,460 in the Milwaukee MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 814,950 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Milwaukee compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $220,137 in Milwaukee vs $392,209 in Billings — a 43.9% 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 · Milwaukee, WI.