Moving from Cleveland, OH to Billings, MT
Moving from Cleveland, OH to Billings, MT is a 1594 mi cross-country relocation β about 28h 16m of driving through 7 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.
1594 mi Β· 28h 16m by car Β· OH β IN β IL β WI β MN β ND β MT
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL β WI β MN β ND β MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 90, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Akron, Toledo, South Bend, Chicago, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cleveland | Billings | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.923 | 93.526 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.967 | 72.437 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 96.006 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.434 | 77.364 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Billings and Cleveland is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Billings is 0.4% above Cleveland β $115,537 vs $392,209 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Cleveland -1.9%, Billings +1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cleveland | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 24Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 57.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 33.3" | 14.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Cleveland (52.3Β°F) and Billings (48.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Billings averages 57.4 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US, BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cleveland | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 367,523 | 118,321 |
| Median household income | $39,187 | $71,855 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.5% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.18 | 2.35 |
Median household income in Billings is 0.4% above Cleveland ($39,187 vs $71,855, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Billings MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 11,390 | $41,920 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,620 | $28,940 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 9,260 | $36,980 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 8,020 | $43,020 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 6,880 | $79,030 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Ohio and Montana
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Montana'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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- I-29 and I-94 can close without notice in winter storms; travel bans are declared more than once most winters.
- 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
- Winter gear first: Billings averages 57.4 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Dry climate: Billings sees only 14.3 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Montana after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Cleveland to Billings?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1594 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Billings more expensive than Cleveland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Billings is 0.4% lower than Cleveland (93.526 vs 93.923, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Billings, MT from Cleveland, OH?
The driving distance is 1594 mi and the route typically takes 28h 16m via I 94 and I 90. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Billings compared to Cleveland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $392,209 in Billings vs $115,537 in Cleveland β a 239.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Cleveland vs Billings?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,855 in Billings vs $39,187 in Cleveland β a 83.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cleveland.
City profiles: Cleveland, OH Β· Billings, MT.