Moving from Billings, MT to Provo, UT
The drive from Billings, MT to Provo, UT runs 597 mi — about 10h 45m 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.
597 mi · 10h 45m by car · MT → ID → UT
Distance & route
| Route through | MT → ID → UT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 20, I 15, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Salt Lake City, West Valley City, West Jordan |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Provo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 98.232 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 78.63 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 96.446 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 104.081 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 93.526 in Billings to 98.232 in Provo, a 5.0% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Provo: 5.0% above Billings on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Provo +2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Billings | Provo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 24°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 95°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | 44.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 17.2" |
Climate warms by 6.4°F on the annual average — 48.2°F → 54.6°F.
Heavy-snow city: expect 44.9 in of snowfall annually at Provo.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, PROVO BYU, UT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Provo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 114,303 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $62,800 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 23.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 31.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 3.35 |
Income steps down 5.0%: $71,855 in Billings vs $62,800 in Provo.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Provo MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 40,750 | $38,840 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 24,860 | $36,930 |
| Management Occupations | 24,030 | $105,290 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 23,860 | $29,550 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 19,880 | $63,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and Utah
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Utah'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
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms — check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Provo averages 44.9 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Provo average 95°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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 Utah after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Provo more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Provo is 5.0% higher than Billings (98.232 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Billings and Provo?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.6°F in Provo vs 48.2°F in Billings (6.4°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 44.9 in vs 57.4 in. Annual precipitation: 17.2 in vs 14.3 in.
How much do homes cost in Provo compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $484,203 in Provo vs $392,209 in Billings — a 23.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Billings to Provo?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 597 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Provo, UT from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 597 mi and the route typically takes 10h 45m via US 20 and I 15. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Provo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,800 in Provo vs $71,855 in Billings — a 12.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Provo compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,700 in the Provo MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 293,170 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Billings.
City profiles: Billings, MT · Provo, UT.