Moving from Billings, MT to Palm Bay, FL
Cross-country relocations like Billings, MT β Palm Bay, FL cover 2331 mi and about 42h 15m of driving through 10 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
2331 mi Β· 42h 15m by car Β· FL β GA β TN β KY β IL β MO β IA β NE β SD β MT
Distance & route
| Route through | FL β GA β TN β KY β IL β MO β IA β NE β SD β MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 90, I 29 |
| Major cities en route | Orlando, Gainesville, South Fulton, Atlanta, Sandy Springs |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Palm Bay | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 100.005 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 88.064 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 96.24 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 111.731 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 6.9% pricier overall in Palm Bay than Billings on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Palm Bay typical home at $302,461 is 6.9% under Billings at $392,209 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Palm Bay -4.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Billings | Palm Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 73Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 49Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 55.6" |
NOAA normals show Palm Bay running 24.4Β°F above Billings on the annual mean.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, PALM BAY, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Palm Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 125,273 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $67,521 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 41.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 14.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.82 |
Income steps down 6.9%: $71,855 in Billings vs $67,521 in Palm Bay.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Palm Bay MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 28,820 | $39,710 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 24,880 | $28,940 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 22,200 | $33,940 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 16,730 | $79,650 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 15,660 | $73,620 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and Florida
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Florida'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-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
- 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 Palm Bay average 91Β°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: Palm Bay averages 55.6 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (24.4Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) during unpack.
- 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 Florida after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Billings vs Palm Bay?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,521 in Palm Bay vs $71,855 in Billings β a 6.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Palm Bay compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $302,461 in Palm Bay vs $392,209 in Billings β a 22.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Palm Bay compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,290 in the Palm Bay MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 236,890 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 Palm Bay?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2331 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Palm Bay more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Palm Bay is 6.9% higher than Billings (100.005 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Palm Bay, FL from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 2331 mi and the route typically takes 42h 15m via I 75 and I 90. 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 Β· Palm Bay, FL.