Rochester, NY to Billings, MT Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Rochester to Billings typically costs $3,200–$7,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,856 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from Rochester to Billings
Moving from Rochester, NY to Billings, MT typically costs $3,200–$7,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,856-mile move from Rochester to Billings, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2-3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $4,018 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Rochester to Billings
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,300, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $10,000.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Rochester, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,200–$3,300) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Billings, MT to Rochester, NY guide.
Best Rochester to Billings movers by type
|
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Rochester to Billings
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Rochester to Billings, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
How we chose the best NY→MT movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 148 New York moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Rochester to Billings
Many movers find Billings easier on the wallet than Rochester - roughly 22% less for singles and 8% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,773 for one person in Billings versus $2,274 in Rochester. For a family of four, it's $4,536 compared with $4,921.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Rochester | Billings | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,527 | $1,150 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,240 | $2,125 |
| Average home value | $200,576 | $381,592 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,214 | $63,515 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,274 | $1,773 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,921 | $4,536 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.8% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 10.9% | 6.75% |
- Budgeting for a move from Rochester to Billings won't necessitate major adjustments since rent remains relatively constant.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 90% greater in Billings than in Rochester.
- Fortunately, the average income in Billings and Rochester is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Billings. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 22% lower than in Rochester.
- Choosing to move to Billings can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 8% less than in Rochester.
- Billings enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 58% lower compared to Rochester, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Billings has no sales tax, so you’ll save money on every taxable purchase compared to Rochester. This can be especially helpful if you make frequent or larger purchases.
- Income taxes are 38% less in Montana than in New York. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Rochester and Billings:
| Living Expense | Rochester | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $143.37 | $187.19 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.69 | $49.20 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.79 | $3.10 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.94 | $4.33 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $90.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $50.77 | $48.33 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Rochester than in Billings, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Rochester than in Billings.
- Eggs cost more in Rochester than in Billings.
- Bread costs less in Rochester than in Billings.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Rochester than in Billings.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Rochester than in Billings.
- Gym memberships cost more in Rochester than in Billings.
How life is different in Rochester vs. Billings
| Rochester | Billings | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 211,328 | 184,167 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 61 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 60 | 47 |
| Crime index | 37.54 | 48.63 |
| Safety index | 36.66 | 50.37 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Billings's population is about 13% less than Rochester.
- Billings's public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Rochester's score of 6.
- Billings is less walkable than Rochester with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Rochester's 61 out of 100.
- Billings has a bike-friendliness score of 47 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Rochester, which has a score of 60.
- Billings's crime rate is higher than Rochester with a score of 48.63 compared to Rochester's 37.54. This means that Billings neighborhoods are safer than 48.63% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Rochester neighborhoods are safer than 37.54%.
- Billings is considered to be safer than Rochester with a safety index of 50.37 vs Rochester's 36.66.
- Air quality in Billings is Good, and in Rochester it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Rochester to Billings move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: In Montana, local and intrastate movers need to have a valid Public Service Commission (PSC) number issued by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT). Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Montana moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Montana doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Billings. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for Released Value Protection, a no-cost option from movers with basic coverage. Movers assume liability for up to 60 cents per pound per item. For instance, if your mover lost or damaged a valuable painting weighing 20 pounds, you would only receive $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for the full value of your items, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Billings
Now that you've decided to make the move to Magic City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Billings.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Billings
- South Park
- Poly Vista
- North Park
- Shiloh Crossing
Best neighborhoods for families
- Josephine Crossing
- West End
- Heights
- Briarwood
- Ironwood Estates
Things to do in Billings
Once you're settled into your new home in Montana, it's time to get out and discover what Billings has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Billings, such as the Moss Mansion, Yellowstone Art Museum, Western Heritage Center, and Yellowstone County Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's The Rimrocks, ZooMontana, DanWalt Gardens, and Pictograph Cave State Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Montana State Billings Yellowjackets (GNAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Rochester to Billings?
The best time to move from Rochester to Billings is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Rochester.
When is the cheapest time to move from Rochester to Billings?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Rochester to Billings, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Rochester to Billings take?
Moving from Rochester, NY to Billings, MT covers 1,856 miles and usually takes five to 16 days. Need to move faster? Some Rochester movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Billings.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Rochester?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 7 movers in Rochester advertise piano moving expertise. 4 movers in Rochester provide antique moving services. State totals show 115 piano movers and 82 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.