Buffalo, NY to Billings, MT Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Buffalo to Billings typically costs $3,300–$6,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,778 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Buffalo to Billings
Moving from Buffalo, NY to Billings, MT typically costs $3,300–$6,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,778-mile move from Buffalo to Billings, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $8,486 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
4 Bedrooms
Dec 29, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Buffalo to Billings
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,200, but larger homes can run up to $10,400.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Buffalo.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,200–$3,500) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Billings, MT to Buffalo, NY guide.
Best Buffalo to Billings movers by type
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Best professional movers from Buffalo to Billings
For a stress-free interstate move from Buffalo to Billings, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
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
Best overall value
How we chose the best NY→MT movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 148 New York moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Buffalo to Billings
Many movers find Billings easier on the wallet than Buffalo - roughly 32% less for singles and 21% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,773 for one person in Billings versus $2,589 in Buffalo. For a family of four, it's $4,536 compared with $5,720.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Buffalo | Billings | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,567 | $1,150 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,075 | $2,125 |
| Average home value | $213,418 | $381,592 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,443 | $63,515 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,589 | $1,773 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,720 | $4,536 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.5% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 8.75% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 10.9% | 6.75% |
- As you consider relocating to Billings, note that rent can be roughly 8% more expensive than it is in Buffalo; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 79% higher in Billings than in Buffalo.
- The average income in Billings and Buffalo is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Billings, where the cost of living for a single person is 32% less than in Buffalo.
- Moving to Billings could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family's regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 21% less than in Buffalo.
- Billings experiences an unemployment rate that is about 57% lower than that of Buffalo. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Billings has no sales tax, so you’ll save money on every taxable purchase compared to Buffalo. This can be especially helpful if you make frequent or larger purchases.
- Income taxes are 38% lower in Montana compared to New York. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Buffalo with Billings:
| Living Expense | Buffalo | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $251.62 | $187.19 |
| Cell phone plan | $46.65 | $49.20 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.96 | $3.10 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.89 | $4.33 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $30.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $85.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $33.67 | $48.33 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Buffalo than in Billings.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Buffalo than in Billings.
- Eggs cost more in Buffalo than in Billings.
- Bread costs less in Buffalo than in Billings.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Buffalo than in Billings.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Buffalo than in Billings.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Buffalo than in Billings.
How life is different in Buffalo vs. Billings
| Buffalo | Billings | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 278,349 | 184,167 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 67 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 63 | 47 |
| Crime index | 8.0 | 48.63 |
| Safety index | 53.55 | 50.37 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Billings's population is about 34% less than Buffalo.
- Billings's public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Buffalo's score of 7.
- Billings is less walkable than Buffalo with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Buffalo's 67 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 Buffalo, which has a score of 63.
- Billings's crime rate is higher than Buffalo with a score of 48.63 compared to Buffalo's 8.0. This means that Billings neighborhoods are safer than 48.63% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0%.
- Billings is considered to be less safe than Buffalo with a score of 50.37 vs Buffalo's 53.55.
- Air quality in Billings is Good, and in Buffalo it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Buffalo to Billings move
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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). Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Montana moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Montana doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Billings smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Billings
Now that you've chosen Magic City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Billings to check out.
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
After getting comfortable in your new Montana home, it's time to see what Billings is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Billings offers cultural landmarks like 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 — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Montana State Billings Yellowjackets (GNAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Buffalo to Billings?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Buffalo to Billings are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Buffalo are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Buffalo to Billings?
Because spring and fall moves from Buffalo to Billings are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Buffalo to Billings take?
A move of 1,778 miles from Buffalo, NY to Billings, MT generally takes five to 16 days. Movers in Buffalo sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Billings is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Buffalo offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 4 movers in Buffalo have the skills and equipment for piano transport. Across NY, there are 115 piano movers and 82 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,294 and 1,462.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
