Moving from Billings, MT to Garland, TX
The drive from Billings, MT to Garland, TX runs 1336 mi β about 23h 34m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1336 mi Β· 23h 34m by car Β· TX β OK β CO β WY β MT
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β CO β WY β MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 287, I 25, US 87 |
| Major cities en route | Dallas, Mesquite, Plano, Frisco, Mckinney |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Garland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 93.526 in Billings to 103.09 in Garland, a 10.2% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Garland: 10.2% below Billings on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Garland -5.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Billings | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 41.9" |
Major climate step-up: 17.6Β°F warmer annual average in Garland vs Billings.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, RICHARDSON, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 245,298 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $74,717 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 16.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 3.04 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Garland MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Garland average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (17.6Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Garland compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $286,805 in Garland vs $392,209 in Billings β a 26.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Garland, TX from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 1336 mi and the route typically takes 23h 34m via US 287 and I 25. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Garland more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Garland is 10.2% higher than Billings (103.09 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Garland compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Garland MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Garland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $74,717 in Garland vs $71,855 in Billings β a 4.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Billings to Garland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1336 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β 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 Β· Garland, TX.