Moving from Billings, MT to Paterson, NJ
A 2029 mi cross-country move between Billings and Paterson is 36h 16m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 9 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
2029 mi Β· 36h 16m by car Β· NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL β WI β MN β ND β MT
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL β WI β MN β ND β MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 80, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Jersey City, Yonkers, Newark, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Paterson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Paterson is 20.4% above Billings β one of the larger spreads between U.S. metros.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
20.4% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Paterson +5.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Billings | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | β |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, LITTLE FALLS, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 157,660 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $53,766 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 9.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 3.17 |
Paterson households earn about 20.4% less than Billings at the median β $71,855 β $53,766 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Paterson MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- I-29 and I-94 can close without notice in winter storms; travel bans are declared more than once most winters.
- 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.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Billings to Paterson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2029 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 Paterson compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $528,882 in Paterson vs $392,209 in Billings β a 34.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Paterson compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Paterson MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Paterson more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Paterson is 20.4% higher than Billings (112.563 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Paterson, NJ from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 2029 mi and the route typically takes 36h 16m via I 94 and I 80. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Paterson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,766 in Paterson vs $71,855 in Billings β a 25.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Billings.
City profiles: Billings, MT Β· Paterson, NJ.