Moving from Billings, MT to South Fulton, GA
It is 1834 mi and 33h 6m from Billings to South Fulton — a cross-country move across 8 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
1834 mi · 33h 6m by car · MT → SD → IA → MO → IL → KY → TN → GA
Distance & route
| Route through | MT → SD → IA → MO → IL → KY → TN → GA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 14, SD 79 |
| Major cities en route | Sioux Falls, Omaha, Kansas City, Kansas City, Olathe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | South Fulton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 100.058 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 96.239 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 100.416 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 111.022 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 7.0% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, South Fulton —. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Billings | South Fulton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 64°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 36°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | 2.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 50.4" |
Expect 15.4°F warmer on average per year — plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
South Fulton averages 2.2 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, ATLANTA HARTSFIELD INTL AP, GA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | South Fulton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 109,157 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $81,798 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 24.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.76 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 7.0% higher in South Fulton than Billings.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in South Fulton MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 350,210 | $43,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 317,700 | $40,250 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 275,750 | $35,560 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 257,700 | $79,020 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 242,360 | $28,720 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and Georgia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Georgia'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.
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards — check SD 511 November through April.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in South Fulton average 90°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: South Fulton averages 50.4 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (15.4°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Tropical storms are possible August through October on the Atlantic coast.
- 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 Georgia after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Billings vs South Fulton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,798 in South Fulton vs $71,855 in Billings — a 13.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Billings and South Fulton?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.6°F in South Fulton vs 48.2°F in Billings (15.4°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 2.2 in vs 57.4 in. Annual precipitation: 50.4 in vs 14.3 in.
When is the best time to move from Billings to South Fulton?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1834 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is South Fulton more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in South Fulton is 7.0% higher than Billings (100.058 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in South Fulton compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,370 in the South Fulton MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 2,817,660 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is South Fulton, GA from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 1834 mi and the route typically takes 33h 6m via I 90 and US 14. The trip crosses 8 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 · South Fulton, GA.