Moving from Sioux Falls, SD to Billings, MT
It is 663 mi between Sioux Falls and Billings β roughly 11h 34m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 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.
663 mi Β· 11h 34m by car Β· SD β WY β MT
Distance & route
| Route through | SD β WY β MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 212, MT 59 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sioux Falls | Billings | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.631 | 93.526 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.7 | 72.437 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.472 | 96.006 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.605 | 77.364 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 90.631 vs 93.526 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 3.2% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Sioux Falls +1.5%, Billings +1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sioux Falls | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 7Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 57.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 28.3" | 14.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Sioux Falls (46.6Β°F) and Billings (48.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Billings averages 57.4 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SIOUX FALLS WFO AP, SD US, BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sioux Falls | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,642 | 118,321 |
| Median household income | $74,714 | $71,855 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.35 |
Median household incomes in Sioux Falls ($74,714) and Billings ($71,855) are within a few percent (ACS 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 South Dakota 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-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 does the job market in Billings compare to Sioux Falls?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,000 in the Billings MSA vs $45,440 in the Sioux Falls MSA, on total employment of 89,600 and 165,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Sioux Falls vs Billings?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,855 in Billings vs $74,714 in Sioux Falls β a 3.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Sioux Falls to Billings?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 663 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Billings compared to Sioux Falls?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $392,209 in Billings vs $329,723 in Sioux Falls β a 19.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Billings, MT from Sioux Falls, SD?
The driving distance is 663 mi and the route typically takes 11h 34m via I 90 and US 212. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Billings more expensive than Sioux Falls?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Billings is 3.2% higher than Sioux Falls (93.526 vs 90.631, 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 Sioux Falls.
City profiles: Sioux Falls, SD Β· Billings, MT.