Moving from Billings, MT to Mobile, AL
Moving from Billings, MT to Mobile, AL is a 1852 mi cross-country relocation β about 34h 24m of driving through 9 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1852 mi Β· 34h 24m by car Β· AL β MS β TN β AR β MO β IA β SD β WY β MT
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β MS β TN β AR β MO β IA β SD β WY β MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 29, US 212 |
| Major cities en route | Memphis, Springfield, Lee S Summit, Overland Park, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Mobile | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 88.098 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 84.185 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 60.116 | 100.0 |
Mobile is 5.8% cheaper than Billings overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Mobile is 5.8% below Billings β $392,209 vs $194,564 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Mobile -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Billings | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 69Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 60.5" |
Mobile runs 20.9Β°F warmer on the annual average (48.2Β°F vs 69.1Β°F) β a climate shift you will feel in cooling bills and wardrobe alike.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, MOBILE DWTN AP, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 185,097 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $51,090 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 37.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 20% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.39 |
Median household income in Mobile is 5.8% below Billings ($71,855 vs $51,090, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Mobile MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 20,320 | $36,270 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 19,630 | $37,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 16,350 | $31,060 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 14,680 | $23,720 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 12,550 | $64,370 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and Alabama
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Alabama'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-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 β check SD 511 November through April.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Mobile average 92Β°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: Mobile averages 60.5 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (20.9Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November on the Gulf Coast.
- 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 Alabama after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Billings vs Mobile?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,090 in Mobile vs $71,855 in Billings β a 28.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Mobile, AL from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 1852 mi and the route typically takes 34h 24m via I 90 and I 29. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Mobile compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,660 in the Mobile MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 169,730 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Mobile compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $194,564 in Mobile vs $392,209 in Billings β a 50.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Billings to Mobile?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1852 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Mobile more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Mobile is 5.8% lower than Billings (88.098 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Billings.
City profiles: Billings, MT Β· Mobile, AL.