Moving from Billings, MT to Dayton, OH
A 1524 mi cross-country move between Billings and Dayton is 27h 17m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 7 states. Nearly every household line — rent, taxes, climate, commute — usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1524 mi · 27h 17m by car · OH → IN → IL → IA → SD → WY → MT
Distance & route
| Route through | OH → IN → IL → IA → SD → WY → MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 74, US 212 |
| Major cities en route | Peoria, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Omaha, Sioux Falls |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Billings and Dayton sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP — the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $392,209 in Billings to $136,592 in Dayton, a 0.9% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Billings | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 20°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 41.7" |
Annual temperature rises 5.1°F moving to Dayton per NOAA normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Dayton sees 12.3 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.36 |
Dayton households earn about 0.9% less than Billings at the median — $71,855 → $43,454 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards — check SD 511 November through April.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- 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: Dayton averages 12.3 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 Ohio after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Dayton, OH from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 1524 mi and the route typically takes 27h 17m via I 90 and I 74. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Billings and Dayton?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.3°F in Dayton vs 48.2°F in Billings (5.1°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 12.3 in vs 57.4 in. Annual precipitation: 41.7 in vs 14.3 in.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $392,209 in Billings — a 65.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Dayton more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 0.9% lower than Billings (92.694 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 Dayton?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1524 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $71,855 in Billings — a 39.5% 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 Billings.
City profiles: Billings, MT · Dayton, OH.