Moving from Billings, MT to Chandler, AZ
It is 1234 mi between Billings and Chandler — roughly 22h 40m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1234 mi · 22h 40m by car · AZ → UT → ID → MT → WY
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → UT → ID → MT → WY |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 15, US 89, US 191 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, Glendale, Goodyear |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Chandler | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Chandler runs about 10.5% more expensive overall than Billings — RPP 93.526 → 103.316.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $392,209 in Billings to $524,156 in Chandler, a 10.5% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Chandler -2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Chandler |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 278,123 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $103,691 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 37.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 28.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.63 |
Chandler households earn about 10.5% more than Billings at the median — $71,855 → $103,691 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Chandler MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms — check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Billings vs Chandler?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $103,691 in Chandler vs $71,855 in Billings — a 44.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Billings to Chandler?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1234 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Chandler compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Chandler MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Chandler compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $524,156 in Chandler vs $392,209 in Billings — a 33.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Chandler more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chandler is 10.5% higher than Billings (103.316 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Chandler, AZ from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 1234 mi and the route typically takes 22h 40m via I 15 and US 89. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Billings.
City profiles: Billings, MT · Chandler, AZ.