Moving from Worcester, MA to Billings, MT
A 2205 mi cross-country move between Worcester and Billings is 39h 48m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 11 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.
2205 mi · 39h 48m by car · MA → CT → NY → PA → OH → IN → IL → WI → MN → ND → MT
Distance & route
| Route through | MA → CT → NY → PA → OH → IN → IL → WI → MN → ND → MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 80, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Hartford, Waterbury, New Haven, Bridgeport |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Worcester | Billings | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.523 | 93.526 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 155.206 | 72.437 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 96.006 | 100.0 |
| Services | 113.001 | 77.364 | 100.0 |
Expect about 8.8% lower overall cost of living — BEA RPP 2024 has Billings at 93.526 vs Worcester at 102.523.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 8.8% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Worcester +1.0%, Billings +1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Worcester | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 48°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 72.9" | 57.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 14.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Worcester (48.1°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: WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US, BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Worcester | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 205,501 | 118,321 |
| Median household income | $67,544 | $71,855 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.35 |
Households in Billings earn about 8.8% more 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 Massachusetts 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin — check 511wi.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms — 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 — 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
When is the best time to move from Worcester 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 2205 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Worcester vs Billings?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,855 in Billings vs $67,544 in Worcester — a 6.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Billings more expensive than Worcester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Billings is 8.8% lower than Worcester (93.526 vs 102.523, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Billings, MT from Worcester, MA?
The driving distance is 2205 mi and the route typically takes 39h 48m via I 94 and I 80. The trip crosses 11 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Billings compared to Worcester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $392,209 in Billings vs $430,112 in Worcester — a 8.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Worcester and Billings?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 48.2°F in Billings vs 48.1°F in Worcester (0.1°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 57.4 in vs 72.9 in. Annual precipitation: 14.3 in vs 48.3 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Worcester.
City profiles: Worcester, MA · Billings, MT.