Moving from Billings, MT to Riverside, CA
A move from Billings, MT to Riverside, CA covers 1205 mi and around 21h 13m of driving through 6 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1205 mi · 21h 13m by car · CA → NV → AZ → UT → ID → MT
Distance & route
| Route through | CA → NV → AZ → UT → ID → MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 15, US 191, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Anaheim, Irvine, Ontario, Corona, Pomona |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Riverside | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 106.442 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 148.641 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 101.431 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 129.312 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Riverside is 13.8% higher than Billings, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Riverside is 13.8% above Billings — $392,209 vs $646,784 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Riverside -1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Billings | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 67°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 43°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 95°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 10.0" |
Riverside runs 18.7°F warmer on the annual average (48.2°F vs 66.9°F) — a climate shift you will feel in cooling bills and wardrobe alike.
Riverside gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, RIVERSIDE FIRE STN 3, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 316,241 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $88,575 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 33.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 15.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 3.42 |
Median household income in Riverside is 13.8% above Billings ($71,855 vs $88,575, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Riverside MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 267,890 | $47,210 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 177,100 | $47,040 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 167,590 | $34,570 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 136,950 | $36,420 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 115,940 | $32,240 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Riverside average 95°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Riverside sees only 10.0 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (18.7°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October — register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- 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 California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Billings to Riverside?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1205 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Billings and Riverside?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.9°F in Riverside vs 48.2°F in Billings (18.7°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 57.4 in. Annual precipitation: 10.0 in vs 14.3 in.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Riverside?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,575 in Riverside vs $71,855 in Billings — a 23.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Riverside compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,450 in the Riverside MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 1,661,860 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Riverside compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $646,784 in Riverside vs $392,209 in Billings — a 64.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Riverside, CA from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 1205 mi and the route typically takes 21h 13m via I 15 and US 191. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Riverside more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Riverside is 13.8% higher than Billings (106.442 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Billings.
City profiles: Billings, MT · Riverside, CA.