Moving from Akron, OH to Billings, MT
A 1613 mi cross-country move between Akron and Billings is 28h 40m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 7 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1613 mi Β· 28h 40m by car Β· OH β IN β IL β WI β MN β ND β MT
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL β WI β MN β ND β MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 90, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Toledo, South Bend, Chicago, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Akron | Billings | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.37 | 93.526 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.448 | 72.437 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 96.006 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.785 | 77.364 | 100.0 |
Akron and Billings sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $137,894 in Akron to $392,209 in Billings, a 0.2% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Akron +2.2%, Billings +1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Akron | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 57.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.5" | 14.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 52.3Β°F vs 48.2Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Billings sees 57.4 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US, BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Akron | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 189,526 | 118,321 |
| Median household income | $48,544 | $71,855 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.3% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.35 |
Billings households earn about 0.2% more than Akron at the median β $48,544 β $71,855 on ACS 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 Ohio 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
- 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 does household income compare in Akron vs Billings?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,855 in Billings vs $48,544 in Akron β a 48.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Billings, MT from Akron, OH?
The driving distance is 1613 mi and the route typically takes 28h 40m via I 94 and I 90. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Billings more expensive than Akron?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Billings is 0.2% higher than Akron (93.526 vs 93.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Billings compared to Akron?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $392,209 in Billings vs $137,894 in Akron β a 184.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Akron to Billings?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1613 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Billings compare to Akron?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,000 in the Billings MSA vs $45,950 in the Akron MSA, on total employment of 89,600 and 320,810 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 Akron.
City profiles: Akron, OH Β· Billings, MT.