Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Billings, MT
The drive from Cedar Rapids, IA to Billings, MT runs 1015 mi β about 18h 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.
1015 mi Β· 18h by car Β· IA β MN β SD β WY β MT
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β MN β SD β WY β MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 212, IA 27 |
| Major cities en route | Sioux Falls |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Billings | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 93.526 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 72.437 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 96.006 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 77.364 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 88.963 in Cedar Rapids to 93.526 in Billings, a 5.1% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Billings: 5.1% above Cedar Rapids on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Billings +1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 57.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 14.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 57.4 in of snowfall annually at Billings.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 118,321 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $71,855 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.35 |
Income steps up 5.1%: $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $71,855 in Billings.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Billings MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 11,390 | $41,920 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,620 | $28,940 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 9,260 | $36,980 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 8,020 | $43,020 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 6,880 | $79,030 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Montana
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Montana'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-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- 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
- Winter gear first: Billings averages 57.4 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Dry climate: Billings sees only 14.3 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Montana after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Billings compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $392,209 in Billings vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 92.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Billings?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,855 in Billings vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 5.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Billings?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1015 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Billings compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,000 in the Billings MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 89,600 and 140,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Billings more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Billings is 5.1% higher than Cedar Rapids (93.526 vs 88.963, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Billings, MT from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 1015 mi and the route typically takes 18h via I 90 and US 212. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cedar Rapids.
City profiles: Cedar Rapids, IA Β· Billings, MT.