Moving from Billings, MT to Minneapolis, MN
It is 844 mi between Billings and Minneapolis β roughly 14h 19m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
844 mi Β· 14h 19m by car Β· MN β ND β MT
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β ND β MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, MN 55, US 87 |
| Major cities en route | St Paul, Fargo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Minneapolis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 104.822 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 93.493 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 103.065 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 111.838 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 12.1% above Billings β 93.526 β 104.822 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 12.1% under Billings β $392,209 β $330,882 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Minneapolis +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Billings | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 46Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 8Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 34.4" |
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, LOWER ST ANTHONY FALLS, MN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 426,845 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $80,269 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 33 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 32.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.26 |
Households in Minneapolis earn about 12.1% more at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Minneapolis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 233,400 | $49,210 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 158,540 | $40,720 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 154,580 | $81,780 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 153,950 | $31,400 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 144,720 | $46,500 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and Minnesota
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Minnesota'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-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β 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 β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Minneapolis compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $330,882 in Minneapolis vs $392,209 in Billings β a 15.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Minneapolis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $80,269 in Minneapolis vs $71,855 in Billings β a 11.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Minneapolis more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Minneapolis is 12.1% higher than Billings (104.822 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 Minneapolis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 844 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Minneapolis compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $54,850 in the Minneapolis MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 1,911,030 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Minneapolis, MN from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 844 mi and the route typically takes 14h 19m via I 94 and MN 55. The trip crosses 3 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· Minneapolis, MN.