Moving from Des Moines, IA to Billings, MT
Relocating 942 mi from Des Moines to Billings is a 16h 28m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
942 mi · 16h 28m by car · IA → SD → WY → MT
Distance & route
| Route through | IA → SD → WY → MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 212, I 29 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Sioux Falls |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Billings | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 93.526 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 72.437 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 96.006 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 77.364 | 100.0 |
Des Moines and Billings sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP — the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $208,166 in Des Moines to $392,209 in Billings, a 2.0% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Billings +1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Des Moines | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 48°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | 57.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 14.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 50.9°F vs 48.2°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Billings sees 57.4 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 118,321 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $71,855 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.35 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 2.0% higher in Billings than Des Moines.
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 Iowa 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 — 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Billings averages 57.4 in annually vs 36.5 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- 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
How far is Billings, MT from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 942 mi and the route typically takes 16h 28m via I 90 and US 212. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Billings more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Billings is 2.0% higher than Des Moines (93.526 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Des Moines and Billings?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 48.2°F in Billings vs 50.9°F in Des Moines (2.7°F colder). Annual snowfall: 57.4 in vs 36.5 in. Annual precipitation: 14.3 in vs 36.6 in.
How much do homes cost in Billings compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $392,209 in Billings vs $208,166 in Des Moines — a 88.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Billings?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 942 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Billings compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,000 in the Billings MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 89,600 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Billings?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,855 in Billings vs $63,966 in Des Moines — a 12.3% 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 Des Moines.
City profiles: Des Moines, IA · Billings, MT.