Moving from Billings, MT to Costa Mesa, CA
A move from Billings, MT to Costa Mesa, CA covers 1243 mi and around 21h 58m of driving through 6 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1243 mi Β· 21h 58m by car Β· MT β ID β UT β AZ β NV β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | MT β ID β UT β AZ β NV β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 15, US 20, I 15 ALT |
| Major cities en route | Salt Lake City, West Valley City, West Jordan, Provo, North Las Vegas |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Costa Mesa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Major COL jump: 21.4% higher overall in Costa Mesa vs Billings on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Costa Mesa: 21.4% above Billings on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Costa Mesa +3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Billings | Costa Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 49Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 79Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 11.2" |
Major climate step-up: 16.7Β°F warmer annual average in Costa Mesa vs Billings.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, SANTA ANA JOHN WAYNE AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Costa Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 110,538 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $110,073 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 36.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 30.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.66 |
Median household income in Costa Mesa is 21.4% above Billings ($71,855 vs $110,073, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Costa Mesa MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 746,160 | $48,810 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 570,740 | $35,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 516,960 | $40,560 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 494,430 | $39,510 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 461,490 | $33,530 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- 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.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Dry climate: Costa Mesa sees only 11.2 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (16.7Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- 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 California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Costa Mesa compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,413,322 in Costa Mesa vs $392,209 in Billings β a 260.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Costa Mesa more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Costa Mesa is 21.4% higher than Billings (113.566 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Costa Mesa, CA from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 1243 mi and the route typically takes 21h 58m via I 15 and US 20. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Costa Mesa compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Costa Mesa MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Billings to Costa Mesa?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1243 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Costa Mesa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $110,073 in Costa Mesa vs $71,855 in Billings β a 53.2% 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 Billings.
City profiles: Billings, MT Β· Costa Mesa, CA.