Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Mesa to Billings
What to know before moving from Mesa to Billings
Moving from Mesa to Billings means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Mesa than in Billings, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Mesa compares to Billings so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Mesa | Billings | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,786 | $1,300 |
| Average home value | $432,892 | $381,592 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,524 | $63,515 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,416 | $1,773 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,566 | $4,536 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.1% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 8.3% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 2.5% | 6.75% |
- Rent prices in Billings are 27% lower than in Mesa, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Billings.
Home prices in Billings are 11.9% lower than in Mesa. - Income in Billings is 1.6% lower than in Mesa, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Billings include Billings Clinic, First Interstate BancSystem, and The Waggoners Trucking.
- The cost of living for a single person in Billings is 26.6% lower than in Mesa. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Billings is 18.5% lower than in Mesa.
- The unemployment rate in Billings is 32.79% lower than in Mesa.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Billings, since the cityโs sales taxes in Billings are 100.00% lower than in Mesa.
- State income taxes in Billings are 170.00% higher than in Mesa.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,201.57 in Billings to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Mesa.
How life is different in Mesa vs. Billings
| Billings | Mesa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 184,167 | 504,258 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 38 |
| Bike friendliness score | 47 | 60 |
| Crime Index | 48.63 | 44.67 |
| Safety Index | 50.37 | 55.33 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Billings's population is about 63% less than Mesa.
- Billings's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Mesa's higher score of 4.
- Billings and Mesa are similarily walkable.
- Billings has a bike-friendliness score 47 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Mesa, which has a score of 60 out of 100.
- Billings and Mesa have a similar crime rate.
- Billings is considered to be less safe than Mesa with a score of 50.37 vs Mesa's 55.33.
- Air quality in Billings is good, and in Mesa it's good.
Other things to consider for your Mesa vs. Billings move
- Weather: June, September and August are the most pleasant months in Billings, while December and January are the least comfortable months.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Montana moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Montana does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Billings. Get started 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
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 youโre settled into your new home in Montana, itโs time to get out and discover what Billings has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Billings features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Moss Mansion, Yellowstone Art Museum, Western Heritage Center, Yellowstone County Museum, and Wise Wonders Children's Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs The Rimrocks, ZooMontana, DanWalt Gardens, and Pictograph Cave State Park โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- 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 Mesa to Billings?
The best time to move from Mesa to Billings is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Mesa.
When is the cheapest time to move from Mesa to Billings?
Because most people are moving from Mesa to Billings in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Mesa to Billings take?
The 1,225-mile move from Mesa, AZ, to Billings, MT, takes two to eight days. Some Mesa movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Billings.
