Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Billings, MT
Relocating 1176 mi from Milwaukee to Billings is a 20h 21m 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.
1176 mi · 20h 21m by car · WI → MN → ND → MT
Distance & route
| Route through | WI → MN → ND → MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 90, I 694 |
| Major cities en route | Madison, St Paul, Minneapolis, Fargo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Milwaukee | Billings | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.937 | 93.526 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.59 | 72.437 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 96.006 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.111 | 77.364 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 96.937 vs 93.526 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 3.5% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $220,137 to $392,209 moving to Billings.
YoY change: Milwaukee +3.6%, Billings +1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Milwaukee | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 48°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 83°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 39.5" | 57.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 33.8" | 14.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Milwaukee (48.3°F) and Billings (48.2°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Billings averages 57.4 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US, BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Milwaukee | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 569,756 | 118,321 |
| Median household income | $51,888 | $71,855 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.35 |
Expect median household income to rise 3.5% — $51,888 → $71,855 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Wisconsin 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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin — check 511wi.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms — 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 — 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 Milwaukee?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $392,209 in Billings vs $220,137 in Milwaukee — a 78.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Billings more expensive than Milwaukee?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Billings is 3.5% lower than Milwaukee (93.526 vs 96.937, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Milwaukee 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 1176 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Billings, MT from Milwaukee, WI?
The driving distance is 1176 mi and the route typically takes 20h 21m via I 94 and I 90. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Billings compare to Milwaukee?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,000 in the Billings MSA vs $48,460 in the Milwaukee MSA, on total employment of 89,600 and 814,950 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Milwaukee vs Billings?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,855 in Billings vs $51,888 in Milwaukee — a 38.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Milwaukee and Billings?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 48.2°F in Billings vs 48.3°F in Milwaukee (0.1°F colder). Annual snowfall: 57.4 in vs 39.5 in. Annual precipitation: 14.3 in vs 33.8 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Milwaukee.
City profiles: Milwaukee, WI · Billings, MT.