Moving from Billings, MT to Newark, NJ
A 2032 mi cross-country move between Billings and Newark is 36h 23m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 9 states. Nearly every household line — rent, taxes, climate, commute — usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
2032 mi · 36h 23m by car · NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL → WI → MN → ND → MT
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL → WI → MN → ND → MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 80, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Jersey City, Yonkers, Elizabeth, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Newark | 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 |
Overall cost of living in Newark is 20.4% above Billings — one of the larger spreads between U.S. metros.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
20.4% jump on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Newark -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Billings | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 25°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 50.4" |
Annual temperature rises 6.6°F moving to Newark per NOAA normals.
Heavy-snow city: expect 28.2 in of snowfall annually at Newark.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 307,188 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $48,416 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 12.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.7 |
Newark households earn about 20.4% less than Billings at the median — $71,855 → $48,416 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Newark 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 Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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
- 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: Newark averages 28.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Newark averages 50.4 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Newark compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Newark 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.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Newark?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,416 in Newark vs $71,855 in Billings — a 32.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Billings to Newark?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2032 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Newark, NJ from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 2032 mi and the route typically takes 36h 23m via I 94 and I 80. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Newark more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Newark is 20.4% higher than Billings (112.563 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Billings and Newark?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.8°F in Newark vs 48.2°F in Billings (6.6°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 28.2 in vs 57.4 in. Annual precipitation: 50.4 in vs 14.3 in.
How much do homes cost in Newark compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $478,455 in Newark vs $392,209 in Billings — a 22.0% higher 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 · Newark, NJ.