Moving from Billings, MT to New York, NY
Moving from Billings, MT to New York, NY is a 2050 mi cross-country relocation — about 36h 54m of driving through 10 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.
2050 mi · 36h 54m by car · NY → NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL → WI → MN → ND → MT
Distance & route
| Route through | NY → NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL → WI → MN → ND → MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 80, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Jersey City, Elizabeth, Newark, Yonkers, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | New York | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
You are looking at a 20.4% pricier overall price level — 93.526 → 112.563 on the latest BEA Regional Price Parities.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: New York typical home at $812,861 is 20.4% above Billings at $392,209 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, New York +4.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Billings | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 56°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 28°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 85°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | 24.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 47.1" |
New York runs 7.3°F warmer on the annual average (48.2°F vs 55.5°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Significant snow at the destination: New York sees 24.5 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, NY AVE V BROOKLYN, NY US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 8,516,202 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $79,713 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 38 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 23.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.57 |
Median household income in New York is 20.4% above Billings ($71,855 → $79,713, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in New York MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and New York
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New York'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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- 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: New York averages 24.5 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 New York after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Billings and New York?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.5°F in New York vs 48.2°F in Billings (7.3°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 24.5 in vs 57.4 in. Annual precipitation: 47.1 in vs 14.3 in.
How does the job market in New York compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the New York MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Billings to New York?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2050 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Billings vs New York?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $79,713 in New York vs $71,855 in Billings — a 10.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is New York more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in New York is 20.4% higher than Billings (112.563 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in New York compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $812,861 in New York vs $392,209 in Billings — a 107.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is New York, NY from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 2050 mi and the route typically takes 36h 54m via I 94 and I 80. The trip crosses 10 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 · New York, NY.