Moving from Fargo, ND to Billings, MT
The drive from Fargo, ND to Billings, MT runs 608 mi — about 10h 2m 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.
608 mi · 10h 2m by car · ND → MT
Distance & route
| Route through | ND → MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, US 83, US 52 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fargo | Billings | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.871 | 93.526 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.324 | 72.437 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.654 | 96.006 | 100.0 |
| Services | 81.142 | 77.364 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Fargo (90.871) and Billings (93.526) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Billings: 2.9% above Fargo on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Fargo +4.2%, Billings +1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Fargo | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 41°F | 48°F |
| January avg low | -2°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 82°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | 57.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 24.4" | 14.3" |
Climate warms by 6.8°F on the annual average — 41.4°F → 48.2°F.
Heavy-snow city: expect 57.4 in of snowfall annually at Billings.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: FARGO 3S, ND US, BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fargo | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 129,064 | 118,321 |
| Median household income | $66,029 | $71,855 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.2 | 2.35 |
Income steps up 2.9%: $66,029 in Fargo vs $71,855 in Billings.
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 North Dakota 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-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 — 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 — 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
How much do homes cost in Billings compared to Fargo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $392,209 in Billings vs $314,973 in Fargo — a 24.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Billings, MT from Fargo, ND?
The driving distance is 608 mi and the route typically takes 10h 2m via I 94 and US 83. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Fargo 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 608 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Fargo vs Billings?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,855 in Billings vs $66,029 in Fargo — a 8.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Billings more expensive than Fargo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Billings is 2.9% higher than Fargo (93.526 vs 90.871, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Billings compare to Fargo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,000 in the Billings MSA vs $48,110 in the Fargo MSA, on total employment of 89,600 and 145,680 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 Fargo.
City profiles: Fargo, ND · Billings, MT.