Moving from Rochester, MN to Billings, MT
It is 891 mi between Rochester and Billings — roughly 15h 37m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 4 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
891 mi · 15h 37m by car · MN → SD → WY → MT
Distance & route
| Route through | MN → SD → WY → MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 212, MT 59 |
| Major cities en route | Sioux Falls |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rochester | Billings | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.821 | 93.526 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.389 | 72.437 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.433 | 96.006 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.628 | 77.364 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 90.821 vs 93.526 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 3.0% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Rochester +3.9%, Billings +1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Rochester | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45°F | 48°F |
| January avg low | 7°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 53.1" | 57.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 14.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Rochester (44.8°F) and Billings (48.2°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Billings averages 57.4 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: ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US, BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rochester | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,638 | 118,321 |
| Median household income | $87,767 | $71,855 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 27.7% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.35 |
Households in Billings earn about 3.0% 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 Minnesota 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
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms — check MnDOT 511.
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards — check SD 511 November through April.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- 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: 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
How much do homes cost in Billings compared to Rochester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $392,209 in Billings vs $339,455 in Rochester — a 15.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Rochester and Billings?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 48.2°F in Billings vs 44.8°F in Rochester (3.4°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 57.4 in vs 53.1 in. Annual precipitation: 14.3 in vs 34.7 in.
When is the best time to move from Rochester 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 891 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Billings more expensive than Rochester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Billings is 3.0% higher than Rochester (93.526 vs 90.821, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Billings, MT from Rochester, MN?
The driving distance is 891 mi and the route typically takes 15h 37m via I 90 and US 212. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Billings compare to Rochester?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,000 in the Billings MSA vs $55,970 in the Rochester MSA, on total employment of 89,600 and 119,430 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Rochester vs Billings?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,855 in Billings vs $87,767 in Rochester — a 18.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Rochester.
City profiles: Rochester, MN · Billings, MT.