Moving from Billings, MT to Rockford, IL
The drive from Billings, MT to Rockford, IL runs 1180 mi — about 20h 31m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1180 mi · 20h 31m by car · IL → WI → MN → ND → MT
Distance & route
| Route through | IL → WI → MN → ND → MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 90, I 39 |
| Major cities en route | Madison, St Paul, Minneapolis, Fargo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Rockford | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 92.154 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 89.378 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 70.076 | 100.0 |
Rockford and Billings are close on the overall BEA RPP (93.526 vs 92.154); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Rockford typical home at $177,225 is 1.5% under Billings at $392,209 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Rockford +9.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Billings | Rockford |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 49°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 15°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | 37.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 37.2" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 48.2°F vs 49.4°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Rockford sees 37.1 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, ROCKFORD GTR ROCKFORD AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Rockford |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 147,649 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $53,328 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 14.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.4 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 1.5% between Billings and Rockford (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Rockford MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Production Occupations | 17,580 | $41,900 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 16,500 | $41,140 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 15,320 | $41,130 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 12,130 | $30,050 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 11,300 | $34,130 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin — check 511wi.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms — 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 — 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: Rockford averages 37.1 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 Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Rockford compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,810 in the Rockford MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 138,920 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Rockford compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $177,225 in Rockford vs $392,209 in Billings — a 54.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Billings and Rockford?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 49.4°F in Rockford vs 48.2°F in Billings (1.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 37.1 in vs 57.4 in. Annual precipitation: 37.2 in vs 14.3 in.
How far is Rockford, IL from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 1180 mi and the route typically takes 20h 31m via I 94 and I 90. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Billings to Rockford?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1180 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 Rockford?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,328 in Rockford vs $71,855 in Billings — a 25.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Rockford more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Rockford is 1.5% lower than Billings (92.154 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 · Rockford, IL.