Moving from Billings, MT to Omaha, NE
The drive from Billings, MT to Omaha, NE runs 845 mi β about 14h 42m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
845 mi Β· 14h 42m by car Β· NE β IA β SD β WY β MT
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA β SD β WY β MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 212, I 29 |
| Major cities en route | Sioux Falls |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Omaha | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 91.911 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 76.378 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 94.063 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 86.404 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Billings (93.526) and Omaha (91.911) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Omaha: 1.7% below Billings on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Omaha +1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Billings | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 15Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | β |
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, OMAHA #1, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 488,197 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $72,708 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 25.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.44 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Omaha MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 58,590 | $42,850 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 45,020 | $30,130 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 43,680 | $35,980 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 41,730 | $39,370 |
| Management Occupations | 37,950 | $104,990 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and Nebraska
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Nebraska'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-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
- Tornado season peaks May through July β identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Nebraska after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Omaha more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Omaha is 1.7% lower than Billings (91.911 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 Omaha?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 845 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 Omaha compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,580 in the Omaha MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 483,970 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 Omaha?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $72,708 in Omaha vs $71,855 in Billings β a 1.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Omaha compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $294,189 in Omaha vs $392,209 in Billings β a 25.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Omaha, NE from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 845 mi and the route typically takes 14h 42m via I 90 and US 212. The trip crosses 5 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· Omaha, NE.