Moving from Billings, MT to Independence, MO
It is 1034 mi between Billings and Independence — roughly 18h 14m 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.
1034 mi · 18h 14m by car · MO → IA → SD → WY → MT
Distance & route
| Route through | MO → IA → SD → WY → MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 29, US 212 |
| Major cities en route | Lee S Summit, Overland Park, Kansas City, Kansas City, Olathe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 93.526 vs 92.543 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 1.1% lower home prices — ZHVI goes from $392,209 to $208,158 moving to Independence.
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Billings | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 54°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 44.7" |
Annual temperature rises 5.8°F moving to Independence per NOAA normals.
Independence averages 13.2 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, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.39 |
Households in Independence earn about 1.1% less at the median — ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Independence MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 133,580 | $43,640 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 105,080 | $42,090 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 95,130 | $29,920 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 94,940 | $36,640 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 77,380 | $75,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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: Independence averages 13.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornadoes are common April through June — identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Independence, MO from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 1034 mi and the route typically takes 18h 14m via I 90 and I 29. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Independence compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $392,209 in Billings — a 46.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Billings to Independence?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1034 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 Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $71,855 in Billings — a 17.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Independence more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 1.1% lower than Billings (92.543 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Independence compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Billings and Independence?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.0°F in Independence vs 48.2°F in Billings (5.8°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 13.2 in vs 57.4 in. Annual precipitation: 44.7 in vs 14.3 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Billings.
City profiles: Billings, MT · Independence, MO.