Moving from Billings, MT to Thousand Oaks, CA
The drive from Billings, MT to Thousand Oaks, CA runs 1273 mi β about 22h 34m 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.
1273 mi Β· 22h 34m by car Β· CA β NV β AZ β UT β ID β MT
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β NV β AZ β UT β ID β MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 15, US 191, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Oxnard, Simi Valley, San Buenaventura, Santa Clarita, Los Angeles |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Thousand Oaks | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 110.534 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 152.925 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 171.096 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 93.526 in Billings to 110.534 in Thousand Oaks, a 18.2% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Thousand Oaks: 18.2% above Billings on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Thousand Oaks 0.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Billings | Thousand Oaks |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 45Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 78Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 12.0" |
Climate warms by 14.3Β°F on the annual average β 48.2Β°F β 62.5Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, CAMARILLO AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Thousand Oaks |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 125,676 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $134,367 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 44.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 29.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.72 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 18.2% between Billings and Thousand Oaks (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Thousand Oaks MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 35,690 | $47,840 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 33,940 | $34,820 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 29,050 | $37,470 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 23,520 | $39,670 |
| Management Occupations | 20,990 | $124,680 |
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 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
- 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 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Dry climate: Thousand Oaks sees only 12.0 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 (14.3Β°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 β 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
How far is Thousand Oaks, CA from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 1273 mi and the route typically takes 22h 34m via I 15 and US 191. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Thousand Oaks more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Thousand Oaks is 18.2% higher than Billings (110.534 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Thousand Oaks?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $134,367 in Thousand Oaks vs $71,855 in Billings β a 87.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Billings to Thousand Oaks?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1273 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 Thousand Oaks compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,049,634 in Thousand Oaks vs $392,209 in Billings β a 167.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Thousand Oaks compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,380 in the Thousand Oaks MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 315,720 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Billings.
City profiles: Billings, MT Β· Thousand Oaks, CA.