Moving from Billings, MT to Jackson, MS
Moving from Billings, MT to Jackson, MS is a 1763 mi cross-country relocation β about 30h 34m of driving through 7 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.
1763 mi Β· 30h 34m by car Β· MS β AR β OK β KS β CO β WY β MT
Distance & route
| Route through | MS β AR β OK β KS β CO β WY β MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, I 25 |
| Major cities en route | Little Rock, Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Wichita, Denver |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Jackson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 89.048 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 78.137 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 96.219 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 64.768 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Billings (93.526) and Jackson (89.048) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Jackson: 4.8% below Billings on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Jackson -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Billings | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 51.3" |
Major climate step-up: 17.8Β°F warmer annual average in Jackson vs Billings.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 149,827 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $43,238 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.42 |
Median household income in Jackson is 4.8% below Billings ($71,855 vs $43,238, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Jackson MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 31,490 | $36,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 26,230 | $36,470 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 23,080 | $29,690 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 22,970 | $66,380 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 22,370 | $22,500 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and Mississippi
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Mississippi'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 Jackson average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Jackson averages 51.3 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (17.8Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November on the Gulf Coast.
- 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 Mississippi after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Billings to Jackson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1763 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Jackson compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $87,256 in Jackson vs $392,209 in Billings β a 77.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Jackson more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jackson is 4.8% lower than Billings (89.048 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Jackson compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,540 in the Jackson MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 252,860 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 Jackson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,238 in Jackson vs $71,855 in Billings β a 39.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Jackson, MS from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 1763 mi and the route typically takes 30h 34m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Billings.
City profiles: Billings, MT Β· Jackson, MS.