Moving from Billings, MT to Dearborn, MI
Moving from Billings, MT to Dearborn, MI is a 1506 mi cross-country relocation — about 26h 53m 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.
1506 mi · 26h 53m by car · MT → WY → SD → MN → WI → IL → IN → MI
Distance & route
| Route through | MT → WY → SD → MN → WI → IL → IN → MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 14, SD 79 |
| Major cities en route | Sioux Falls, Rochester, Madison, Rockford, Elgin |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Dearborn | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 100.298 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 106.988 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 98.817 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 94.69 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Dearborn is 7.2% higher than Billings, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Dearborn is 7.2% below Billings — $392,209 vs $245,068 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Dearborn +4.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Billings | Dearborn |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | 30.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 35.1" |
Annual average temperatures in Billings (48.2°F) and Dearborn (49.5°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Dearborn averages 30.8 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, DEARBORN, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Dearborn |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 107,846 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $65,192 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 32.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.97 |
Median household income in Dearborn is 7.2% below Billings ($71,855 → $65,192, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Dearborn MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 224,810 | $45,600 |
| Production Occupations | 186,670 | $44,740 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 165,670 | $40,090 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 160,290 | $36,830 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 153,090 | $30,480 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and Michigan
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Michigan'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
- 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.
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards — check SD 511 November through April.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms — check MnDOT 511.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin — check 511wi.
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Dearborn averages 30.8 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 Michigan after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Billings vs Dearborn?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,192 in Dearborn vs $71,855 in Billings — a 9.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Billings and Dearborn?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 49.5°F in Dearborn vs 48.2°F in Billings (1.3°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 30.8 in vs 57.4 in. Annual precipitation: 35.1 in vs 14.3 in.
How far is Dearborn, MI from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 1506 mi and the route typically takes 26h 53m via I 90 and US 14. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Dearborn more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dearborn is 7.2% higher than Billings (100.298 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Dearborn compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,950 in the Dearborn MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 1,900,180 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Dearborn compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $245,068 in Dearborn vs $392,209 in Billings — a 37.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Billings to Dearborn?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1506 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Billings.
City profiles: Billings, MT · Dearborn, MI.