Moving from Billings, MT to Tuscaloosa, AL
Moving from Billings, MT to Tuscaloosa, AL is a 1700 mi cross-country relocation β about 31h 27m of driving through 9 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1700 mi Β· 31h 27m by car Β· MT β WY β SD β IA β MO β AR β TN β MS β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | MT β WY β SD β IA β MO β AR β TN β MS β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 14, SD 79 |
| Major cities en route | Sioux Falls, Omaha, Kansas City, Kansas City, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Tuscaloosa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 87.722 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 84.396 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 58.246 | 100.0 |
Tuscaloosa is 6.2% cheaper than Billings overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Tuscaloosa is 6.2% below Billings β $392,209 vs $228,947 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Tuscaloosa +1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Billings | Tuscaloosa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 64Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 35Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 57.3" |
Tuscaloosa runs 16.1Β°F warmer on the annual average (48.2Β°F vs 64.3Β°F) β a climate shift you will feel in cooling bills and wardrobe alike.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, NORTHPORT 2 S, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Tuscaloosa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 107,699 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $48,536 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 28.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 21.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.68 |
Median household income in Tuscaloosa is 6.2% below Billings ($71,855 vs $48,536, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tuscaloosa MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Production Occupations | 15,750 | $48,310 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 9,940 | $37,980 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,860 | $25,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 9,250 | $36,980 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 8,780 | $29,460 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and Alabama
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Alabama'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
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
- 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 Tuscaloosa average 92Β°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: Tuscaloosa averages 57.3 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (16.1Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November on the Gulf 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 Alabama after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Billings vs Tuscaloosa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,536 in Tuscaloosa vs $71,855 in Billings β a 32.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Billings to Tuscaloosa?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1700 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 Tuscaloosa compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $228,947 in Tuscaloosa vs $392,209 in Billings β a 41.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Tuscaloosa more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tuscaloosa is 6.2% lower than Billings (87.722 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Tuscaloosa, AL from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 1700 mi and the route typically takes 31h 27m via I 90 and US 14. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Tuscaloosa compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,690 in the Tuscaloosa MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 103,520 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 Β· Tuscaloosa, AL.