Moving from Billings, MT to Surprise, AZ
It is 1226 mi between Billings and Surprise — roughly 22h 13m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1226 mi · 22h 13m by car · AZ → NV → UT → ID → MT
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NV → UT → ID → MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 15, US 93, US 191 |
| Major cities en route | Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Goodyear, Henderson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Surprise | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Surprise runs about 10.5% more expensive overall than Billings — RPP 93.526 → 103.316.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Surprise run about 10.5% pricier — ZHVI $392,209 → $422,473 (2026-03).
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Surprise -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Billings | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 70°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 39°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 105°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 9.6" |
Annual average temperature jumps 22.0°F — 48.2°F in Billings vs 70.2°F in Surprise, per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Surprise sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, WITTMANN 1SE, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 149,519 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $93,371 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 41.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.75 |
Surprise households earn about 10.5% more than Billings at the median — $71,855 → $93,371 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Surprise MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- 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 Surprise average 105°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Surprise sees only 9.6 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 (22.0°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Surprise compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Surprise MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Surprise compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $422,473 in Surprise vs $392,209 in Billings — a 7.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Billings to Surprise?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1226 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 Surprise?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 70.2°F in Surprise vs 48.2°F in Billings (22.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 57.4 in. Annual precipitation: 9.6 in vs 14.3 in.
Is Surprise more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Surprise is 10.5% higher than Billings (103.316 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Surprise, AZ from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 1226 mi and the route typically takes 22h 13m via I 15 and US 93. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Surprise?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $93,371 in Surprise vs $71,855 in Billings — a 29.9% higher 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 · Surprise, AZ.