Des Moines, IA to Billings, MT Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Billings typically costs $2,900–$6,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 939 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to Billings
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Billings, MT typically costs $2,900–$6,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 939-mile move from Des Moines 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
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $1,597 for a 2 bedroom using a moving container.
2 Bedrooms
Feb 11, 2026
Factors that affect moving costs from Des Moines to Billings
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Des Moines to Billings may only cost $2,200, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $9,100.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Des Moines.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($700–$1,900), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Billings, MT to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Billings movers by type
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to Billings
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Des Moines to Billings. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
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 IA→MT movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 37 Iowa moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Billings
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Billings runs about -6% higher for singles and 4% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $1,773 in Billings versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $4,536 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Billings | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,150 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $2,125 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $381,592 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $63,515 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $1,773 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $4,536 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 6.75% |
- Rent is about 13% more expensive in Billings than in Des Moines. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 98% steeper in Billings compared to Des Moines.
- Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 9% greater in Billings than in Des Moines, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Billings. The cost of living for a single person there is 6% below that of Des Moines.
- The cost of living for a family between Billings and Des Moines remains comparable, differing by roughly 5%, so your overall expenses won't dramatically change.
- Billings has a lower unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 31%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Billings has no sales tax, so you’ll save money on every taxable purchase compared to Des Moines. This can be especially helpful if you make frequent or larger purchases.
- Income taxes are 53% more in Montana than in Iowa. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Des Moines versus Billings:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $187.19 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $49.20 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $3.10 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $4.33 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $48.33 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Billings, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Des Moines than in Billings.
- Eggs cost more in Des Moines than in Billings.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Billings.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Billings.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Billings.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Billings.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Billings
| Des Moines | Billings | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 184,167 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 47 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 48.63 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 50.37 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Billings's population is about 74% less than Des Moines.
- Billings's public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines's score of 5.
- Billings is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 47 out of 100, Billings is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Billings's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 48.63 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Billings neighborhoods are safer than 48.63% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Billings is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 50.37 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Billings is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Billings move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Montana, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Montana, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: 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: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Billings
With your sights set on Magic City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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
With your move to Montana complete, you can dive right into experiencing Billings. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Billings is home to museums and cultural arts centers 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 spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Montana State Billings Yellowjackets (GNAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Billings?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Des Moines to Billings. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Billings?
Want to save on your move from Des Moines to Billings? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Billings take?
The 939-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Billings, MT, takes two to seven days. Some Des Moines movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Billings.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Des Moines?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 10 movers in Des Moines provide piano moving services. 6 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
