Moving from St. Paul, MN to Billings, MT
The drive from St. Paul, MN to Billings, MT runs 852 mi β about 14h 29m 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.
852 mi Β· 14h 29m by car Β· MN β ND β MT
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β ND β MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, US 10, I 35E |
| Major cities en route | Minneapolis, Fargo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| St. Paul | Billings | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.822 | 93.526 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.493 | 72.437 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.065 | 96.006 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.838 | 77.364 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 104.822 to 93.526, putting Billings roughly 10.8% below St. Paul on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: St. Paul β, Billings +1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | St. Paul | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 9Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 57.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 29.2" | 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: ST PAUL DOWNTOWN AP, MN US, BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | St. Paul | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,762 | 118,321 |
| Median household income | $73,055 | $71,855 |
| Median age | 33.5 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 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 Minnesota 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-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
Is Billings more expensive than St. Paul?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Billings is 10.8% lower than St. Paul (93.526 vs 104.822, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Billings compare to St. Paul?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,000 in the Billings MSA vs $54,850 in the St. Paul MSA, on total employment of 89,600 and 1,911,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from St. Paul to Billings?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 852 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Billings, MT from St. Paul, MN?
The driving distance is 852 mi and the route typically takes 14h 29m via I 94 and US 10. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in St. Paul vs Billings?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,855 in Billings vs $73,055 in St. Paul β a 1.6% lower 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 St. Paul.
City profiles: St. Paul, MN Β· Billings, MT.