Moving from Billings, MT to Sioux Falls, SD
It is 663 mi between Billings and Sioux Falls — roughly 11h 34m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
663 mi · 11h 34m by car · SD → WY → MT
Distance & route
| Route through | SD → WY → MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 212, MT 59 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Sioux Falls | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 90.631 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 80.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 95.472 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 77.605 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 93.526 vs 90.631 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 3.1% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Sioux Falls +1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Billings | Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 47°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 7°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 85°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 28.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Billings (48.2°F) and Sioux Falls (46.6°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, SIOUX FALLS WFO AP, SD US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 197,642 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $74,714 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 25.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.39 |
Median household incomes in Billings ($71,855) and Sioux Falls ($74,714) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Sioux Falls MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 21,940 | $40,110 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 16,710 | $67,030 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 16,250 | $37,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 14,420 | $29,640 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 14,080 | $39,450 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and South Dakota
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check South Dakota'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
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards — check SD 511 November through April.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- 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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Billings vs Sioux Falls?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $74,714 in Sioux Falls vs $71,855 in Billings — a 4.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Billings to Sioux Falls?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 663 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Sioux Falls compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $329,723 in Sioux Falls vs $392,209 in Billings — a 15.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Sioux Falls compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,440 in the Sioux Falls MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 165,960 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Sioux Falls more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Sioux Falls is 3.1% lower than Billings (90.631 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Sioux Falls, SD from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 663 mi and the route typically takes 11h 34m via I 90 and US 212. The trip crosses 3 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 · Sioux Falls, SD.