Moving from Chicago, IL to Billings, MT
A move from Chicago, IL to Billings, MT covers 1255 mi and around 21h 59m of driving through 5 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.
1255 mi Β· 21h 59m by car Β· IL β WI β MN β ND β MT
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β WI β MN β ND β MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 90, I 39 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Aurora, Elgin, Rockford, Madison |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | Billings | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 93.526 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 72.437 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 96.006 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 77.364 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Billings are 9.7% below Chicago β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Billings typical home at $392,209 is 9.7% above Chicago at $317,283 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Billings +1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 57.4" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 14.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 50.8Β°F vs 48.2Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Billings sees 57.4 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 118,321 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $71,855 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.35 |
Household income lines up β $75,134 vs $71,855 on ACS 5-year 2023.
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 Illinois 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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- 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.
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
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Billings?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1255 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Billings, MT from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 1255 mi and the route typically takes 21h 59m via I 94 and I 90. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Chicago vs Billings?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,855 in Billings vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 4.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Billings compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $392,209 in Billings vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 23.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Billings compare to Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,000 in the Billings MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 89,600 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Billings more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Billings is 9.7% lower than Chicago (93.526 vs 103.595, 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 Chicago.
City profiles: Chicago, IL Β· Billings, MT.