Moving from Billings, MT to St. Paul, MN
A move from Billings, MT to St. Paul, MN covers 852 mi and around 14h 29m of driving through 3 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.
852 mi Β· 14h 29m by car Β· MN β ND β MT
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β ND β MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, US 10, I 35E |
| Major cities en route | Minneapolis, Fargo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | St. Paul | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 104.822 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 93.493 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 103.065 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 111.838 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 93.526 in Billings to 104.822 in St. Paul, a 12.1% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, St. Paul β. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Billings | St. Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 47Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 9Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 29.2" |
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, ST PAUL DOWNTOWN AP, MN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | St. Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 307,762 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $73,055 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 33.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 25.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.5 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in St. Paul MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 233,400 | $49,210 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 158,540 | $40,720 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 154,580 | $81,780 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 153,950 | $31,400 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 144,720 | $46,500 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and Minnesota
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Minnesota'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
- 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
Is St. Paul more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in St. Paul is 12.1% higher than Billings (104.822 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Billings vs St. Paul?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $73,055 in St. Paul vs $71,855 in Billings β a 1.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is St. Paul, MN from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 852 mi and the route typically takes 14h 29m via I 94 and US 10. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in St. Paul compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $54,850 in the St. Paul MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 1,911,030 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Billings to St. Paul?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 852 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Billings.
City profiles: Billings, MT Β· St. Paul, MN.