Moving from Billings, MT to Springfield, MO
The drive from Billings, MT to Springfield, MO runs 1187 mi β about 21h 15m 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.
1187 mi Β· 21h 15m by car Β· MO β IA β SD β WY β MT
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IA β SD β WY β MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 29, US 212 |
| Major cities en route | Lee S Summit, Overland Park, Olathe, Kansas City, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Springfield are 5.3% below Billings β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Springfield typical home at $242,870 is 5.3% under Billings at $392,209 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Billings | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 46.5" |
Climate warms by 8.2Β°F on the annual average β 48.2Β°F β 56.4Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.13 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 5.3% between Billings and Springfield (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Springfield MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 28,080 | $38,030 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 24,360 | $38,880 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 20,070 | $28,100 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 19,640 | $31,070 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 17,940 | $63,340 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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
- Tornadoes are common April through June 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Springfield, MO from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 1187 mi and the route typically takes 21h 15m via I 90 and I 29. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 217,710 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Springfield more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 5.3% lower than Billings (88.585 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $71,855 in Billings β a 36.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Billings to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1187 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $392,209 in Billings β a 38.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Billings.
City profiles: Billings, MT Β· Springfield, MO.