Moving from Billings, MT to Worcester, MA
A 2205 mi cross-country move between Billings and Worcester is 39h 48m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 11 states. Nearly every household line — rent, taxes, climate, commute — usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
2205 mi · 39h 48m by car · MA → CT → NY → PA → OH → IN → IL → WI → MN → ND → MT
Distance & route
| Route through | MA → CT → NY → PA → OH → IN → IL → WI → MN → ND → MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 80, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Hartford, Waterbury, New Haven, Bridgeport |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Worcester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 102.523 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 155.206 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 97.015 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 113.001 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 9.6% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 9.6% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Worcester +1.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Billings | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 48°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 17°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 80°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | 72.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 48.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Billings (48.2°F) and Worcester (48.1°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Worcester averages 72.9 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 205,501 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $67,544 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.6 |
Households in Worcester earn about 9.6% less at the median — ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- 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: Worcester averages 72.9 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 Massachusetts after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Billings and Worcester?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 48.1°F in Worcester vs 48.2°F in Billings (0.1°F colder). Annual snowfall: 72.9 in vs 57.4 in. Annual precipitation: 48.3 in vs 14.3 in.
When is the best time to move from Billings to Worcester?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2205 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Worcester compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $430,112 in Worcester vs $392,209 in Billings — a 9.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Worcester, MA from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 2205 mi and the route typically takes 39h 48m via I 94 and I 80. The trip crosses 11 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Worcester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,544 in Worcester vs $71,855 in Billings — a 6.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Worcester more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Worcester is 9.6% higher than Billings (102.523 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 · Worcester, MA.