Moving from Paterson, NJ to Billings, MT
It is 2029 mi and 36h 16m from Paterson to Billings β a cross-country move across 9 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
2029 mi Β· 36h 16m by car Β· NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL β WI β MN β ND β MT
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL β WI β MN β ND β MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 80, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Jersey City, Yonkers, Newark, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Paterson | Billings | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 93.526 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 72.437 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 96.006 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 77.364 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 16.9% cheaper overall in Billings than Paterson on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
16.9% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Paterson +5.0%, Billings +1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Paterson | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°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: LITTLE FALLS, NJ US, BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Paterson | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 157,660 | 118,321 |
| Median household income | $53,766 | $71,855 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.5% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 3.17 | 2.35 |
Expect median household income to rise 16.9% β $53,766 β $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 New Jersey 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- 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
How far is Billings, MT from Paterson, NJ?
The driving distance is 2029 mi and the route typically takes 36h 16m via I 94 and I 80. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Billings compared to Paterson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $392,209 in Billings vs $528,882 in Paterson β a 25.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Billings compare to Paterson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,000 in the Billings MSA vs $59,390 in the Paterson MSA, on total employment of 89,600 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Paterson to Billings?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2029 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Billings more expensive than Paterson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Billings is 16.9% lower than Paterson (93.526 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Paterson vs Billings?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,855 in Billings vs $53,766 in Paterson β a 33.6% 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 Paterson.
City profiles: Paterson, NJ Β· Billings, MT.