Moving from Omaha, NE to Billings, MT
A move from Omaha, NE to Billings, MT covers 845 mi and around 14h 42m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
845 mi Β· 14h 42m by car Β· NE β IA β SD β WY β MT
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA β SD β WY β MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 212, I 29 |
| Major cities en route | Sioux Falls |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Omaha | Billings | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.911 | 93.526 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.378 | 72.437 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.063 | 96.006 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.404 | 77.364 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Omaha (91.911) and Billings (93.526) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Billings: 1.8% above Omaha on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Omaha +1.2%, Billings +1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Omaha | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 15Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 57.4" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 14.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 57.4 in of snowfall annually at Billings.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OMAHA #1, NE US, BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Omaha | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 488,197 | 118,321 |
| Median household income | $72,708 | $71,855 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.6% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.35 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
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 Nebraska 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
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- 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
How far is Billings, MT from Omaha, NE?
The driving distance is 845 mi and the route typically takes 14h 42m via I 90 and US 212. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Billings compared to Omaha?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $392,209 in Billings vs $294,189 in Omaha β a 33.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Billings compare to Omaha?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,000 in the Billings MSA vs $47,580 in the Omaha MSA, on total employment of 89,600 and 483,970 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Omaha vs Billings?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,855 in Billings vs $72,708 in Omaha β a 1.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Omaha to Billings?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 845 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Billings more expensive than Omaha?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Billings is 1.8% higher than Omaha (93.526 vs 91.911, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Omaha.
City profiles: Omaha, NE Β· Billings, MT.