Moving from Billings, MT to Allentown, PA
Moving from Billings, MT to Allentown, PA is a 1971 mi cross-country relocation — about 35h 17m of driving through 8 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1971 mi · 35h 17m by car · PA → OH → IN → IL → WI → MN → ND → MT
Distance & route
| Route through | PA → OH → IN → IL → WI → MN → ND → MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 80, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Akron, Cleveland, Toledo, South Bend, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 93.526 in Billings to 99.968 in Allentown, a 6.9% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Allentown: 6.9% below Billings on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Billings | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 47.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 33.1 in of snowfall annually at Allentown.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.72 |
Median household income in Allentown is 6.9% below Billings ($71,855 vs $53,403, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Allentown MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 54,700 | $44,160 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 44,170 | $43,910 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 30,110 | $29,620 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 29,400 | $34,870 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 28,860 | $79,140 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and Pennsylvania
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Pennsylvania'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
- 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 — 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: Allentown averages 33.1 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 Pennsylvania after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Allentown compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,940 in the Allentown MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 368,680 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Allentown compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $392,209 in Billings — a 21.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Allentown, PA from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 1971 mi and the route typically takes 35h 17m via I 94 and I 80. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $71,855 in Billings — a 25.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Allentown more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 6.9% higher than Billings (99.968 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Billings to Allentown?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1971 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Billings and Allentown?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.1°F in Allentown vs 48.2°F in Billings (4.9°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 33.1 in vs 57.4 in. Annual precipitation: 47.4 in vs 14.3 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Billings.
City profiles: Billings, MT · Allentown, PA.