Factors influencing moving costs from Gainesville to Billingstoggle

The cost of Gainesville movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Gainesville to Billings can be as low as $1,302 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 11,068.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Gainesville, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,452 to $3,655. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Gainesville to Billings

Moving from Gainesville to Billings comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Billings is generally more expensive than Gainesville, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Gainesville Billings
Average rent cost $1,600 $1,300
Average home value $288,002 $381,592
Average income (per capita) $59,013 $63,515
Cost of living (single person) $1,727 $1,773
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,491 $4,536
Unemployment rate 4.4% 4.1%
Sales tax 7.0% 0.0%
State income tax 0.0% 6.75%
  • Rent prices in Billings are 19% lower than in Gainesville, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Gainesville.
    Home prices in Billings are 32.5% higher than in Gainesville.
  • Income in Billings is 7.6% higher than in Gainesville, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Billings include Billings Clinic, First Interstate BancSystem, and The Waggoners Trucking.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Billings, since the cost of living for a single person in Billings is 2.7% higher than in Gainesville. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Billings, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Billings is 29.9% higher than in Gainesville.
  • The unemployment rate in Billings is 6.82% lower than in Gainesville.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Billings, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Billings are 100.00% lower than in Gainesville.
  • State income taxes in Billings are 6.75% higher than in Gainesville.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,079.91 in Billings to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Gainesville.

How life is different in Gainesville vs. Billings

Billings Gainesville
Population 184,167 141,085
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 6
Walkability score 35 37
Bike friendliness score 47 69
Crime Index 48.63 8.0
Safety Index 50.37 52.61
Air Quality Good Good
  • Billings's population is about 31% greater than Gainesville.
  • Billings's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Gainesville's higher score of 6.
  • Billings and Gainesville 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 Gainesville, which has a score of 69 out of 100.
  • Billings's crime rate is higher than Gainesville with a score of 48.63 compared to Gainesville's 8.0. This means that Billings neighborhoods are safer than 48.63% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Gainesville neighborhoods are safer than 8.0%.
  • Billings and Gainesville are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Billings is good, and in Gainesville it's good.

Other things to consider for your Gainesville 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

After settling into your new Montana home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Billings has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Billings is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Moss Mansion, Yellowstone Art Museum, Western Heritage Center, Yellowstone County Museum, and Wise Wonders Children's Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s The Rimrocks, ZooMontana, DanWalt Gardens, and Pictograph Cave State Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Montana State Billings Yellowjackets (GNAC) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Gainesville to Billings?

The best time to move from Gainesville to Billings is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Gainesville.

When is the cheapest time to move from Gainesville to Billings?

Because most people are moving from Gainesville 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 Gainesville to Billings take?

The 2,149-mile move from Gainesville, FL, to Billings, MT, takes six to 17 days. Some Gainesville movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Billings.

Helpful moving resources