Moving from South Bend, IN to Billings, MT
Relocating 1320 mi from South Bend to Billings is a 23h 44m drive through 7 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1320 mi Β· 23h 44m by car Β· MT β WY β SD β MN β WI β IL β IN
Distance & route
| Route through | MT β WY β SD β MN β WI β IL β IN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 14, SD 79 |
| Major cities en route | Sioux Falls, Rochester, Madison, Rockford, Elgin |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| South Bend | Billings | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.858 | 93.526 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.733 | 72.437 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.221 | 96.006 | 100.0 |
| Services | 74.586 | 77.364 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
0.7% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: South Bend +4.9%, Billings +1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | South Bend | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 57.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.9" | 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: S BEND, IN US, BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | South Bend | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 102,866 | 118,321 |
| Median household income | $52,512 | $71,855 |
| Median age | 33.9 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.35 |
Expect median household income to rise 0.7% β $52,512 β $71,855 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Indiana 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
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
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 South Bend?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $392,209 in Billings vs $192,340 in South Bend β a 103.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from South Bend to Billings?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1320 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 South Bend, IN?
The driving distance is 1320 mi and the route typically takes 23h 44m via I 90 and US 14. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in South Bend vs Billings?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,855 in Billings vs $52,512 in South Bend β a 36.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Billings compare to South Bend?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,000 in the Billings MSA vs $44,420 in the South Bend MSA, on total employment of 89,600 and 129,890 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Billings more expensive than South Bend?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Billings is 0.7% higher than South Bend (93.526 vs 92.858, 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 South Bend.
City profiles: South Bend, IN Β· Billings, MT.