Moving from Billings, MT to Manchester, NH
It is 2251 mi and 41h 13m from Billings to Manchester — a cross-country move across 12 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
2251 mi · 41h 13m by car · MT → SD → MN → WI → IL → IN → OH → PA → NY → CT → MA → NH
Distance & route
| Route through | MT → SD → MN → WI → IL → IN → OH → PA → NY → CT → MA → NH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 14, SD 79 |
| Major cities en route | Sioux Falls, Rochester, Madison, Rockford, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Manchester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 105.657 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 133.535 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 97.687 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 134.22 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 13.0% above Billings — 93.526 → 105.657 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 13.0% above Billings — $392,209 → $435,334 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Manchester +1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Billings | Manchester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 47°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 13°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 81°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | 52.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 42.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 52.8 in of snowfall annually at Manchester.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, MASSABESIC LAKE, NH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Manchester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 115,415 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $77,415 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 37.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.33 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 13.0% higher in Manchester than Billings.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and New Hampshire
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Hampshire'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-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.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
- I-93 through Franconia Notch sees heavy winter weather — check NH 511.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Manchester averages 52.8 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 New Hampshire after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Manchester more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Manchester is 13.0% higher than Billings (105.657 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Manchester, NH from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 2251 mi and the route typically takes 41h 13m via I 90 and US 14. The trip crosses 12 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Manchester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,415 in Manchester vs $71,855 in Billings — a 7.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Billings to Manchester?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2251 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Manchester compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $435,334 in Manchester vs $392,209 in Billings — a 11.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Billings and Manchester?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 47.4°F in Manchester vs 48.2°F in Billings (0.8°F colder). Annual snowfall: 52.8 in vs 57.4 in. Annual precipitation: 42.5 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 · Manchester, NH.