Moving from Manchester, NH to Billings, MT
A 2251 mi cross-country move between Manchester and Billings is 41h 13m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 12 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.
2251 mi · 41h 13m by car · MT → SD → MN → WI → IL → IN → OH → PA → NY → CT → MA → NH
Distance & route
| Route through | MT → SD → MN → WI → IL → IN → OH → PA → NY → CT → MA → NH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 14, SD 79 |
| Major cities en route | Sioux Falls, Rochester, Madison, Rockford, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Manchester | Billings | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.657 | 93.526 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 133.535 | 72.437 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.687 | 96.006 | 100.0 |
| Services | 134.22 | 77.364 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 11.5% moving from Manchester to Billings — meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Billings run about 11.5% cheaper — ZHVI $435,334 → $392,209 (2026-03).
YoY change: Manchester +1.5%, Billings +1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Manchester | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47°F | 48°F |
| January avg low | 13°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 81°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 52.8" | 57.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 42.5" | 14.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 47.4°F vs 48.2°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Billings sees 57.4 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MASSABESIC LAKE, NH US, BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Manchester | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,415 | 118,321 |
| Median household income | $77,415 | $71,855 |
| Median age | 37.9 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 2.35 |
Households in Billings earn about 11.5% less at the median — 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 New Hampshire 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 — 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
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms — check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards — check SD 511 November through April.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms — check MnDOT 511.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin — check 511wi.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
- I-93 through Franconia Notch sees heavy winter weather — check NH 511.
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 — 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
What is the climate difference between Manchester and Billings?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 48.2°F in Billings vs 47.4°F in Manchester (0.8°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 57.4 in vs 52.8 in. Annual precipitation: 14.3 in vs 42.5 in.
How far is Billings, MT from Manchester, NH?
The driving distance is 2251 mi and the route typically takes 41h 13m via I 90 and US 14. The trip crosses 12 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Billings compared to Manchester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $392,209 in Billings vs $435,334 in Manchester — a 9.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Manchester vs Billings?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,855 in Billings vs $77,415 in Manchester — a 7.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Billings more expensive than Manchester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Billings is 11.5% lower than Manchester (93.526 vs 105.657, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Manchester to Billings?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2251 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Manchester.
City profiles: Manchester, NH · Billings, MT.