Things to know before moving from Idaho to Billings, MT

Cost of living: Idaho vs Billings, MT

Idaho Billings
Average rent cost $1,061 $1,300
Average home value $451,520 $381,592
Average income (per capita) $70,214 $63,515
Unemployment rate 4% 4%
State income tax 6% 7%
  • Rent is about 23% more expensive in Billings than in Idaho.
  • Home prices are about 15% lower in Billings than in Idaho.
  • The average income is about 10% lower in Billings than in Idaho.
  • Billings has a higher unemployment rate than Idaho by about 11%.
  • Income taxes are 16% higher in Billings than in Idaho.

How life is different in Billings from Idaho

Billings Idaho
Population 184,167 1,964,726
Political leaning Republican 61-37 Republican 70-30
Summer high 88ºF 85ºF
Winter low 16ºF 17ºF
Annual rain 14" 18"
Annual snow 46" 47"
Crime index 48.63 11.68
  • The population of Billings is approximately 91% lower than the population of Idaho.
  • In the last presidential election, Billings voted Republican and Idaho voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Billings is 88ºF and in Idaho, it’s 85ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Billings reaches the temperature of 16ºF and Idaho gets down to 17ºF.
  • You can expect about 14 inches of annual rainfall in Billings vs 18 inches of rainfall in Idaho.
  • In Billings, it snows about 46 inches annually vs 47 inches of snow in Idaho.
  • Billings has a higher crime rate than Idaho with a crime index of 48.63 vs 11.68.

Things to do in Billings

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Billings.

Museums in Billingstoggle

  • Moss Mansion
  • Yellowstone Art Museum
  • Western Heritage Center
  • Yellowstone County Museum
  • Wise Wonders Children's Museum
  • Sunrise Studio & Art Gallery

Parks in Billingstoggle

  • The Rimrocks
  • ZooMontana
  • DanWalt Gardens
  • Pictograph Cave State Park
  • Pioneer Park
  • Riverfront Park
  • Pryor Mountains
  • Lake Elmo State Park

Sports Teams in Billingstoggle

  • Montana State Billings Yellowjackets (GNAC)

Universities in Billingstoggle

  • Montana State University Billings
  • Rocky Mountain College

Other considerations when moving to Billings, MT

  • 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: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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 on the state regulator's official website.
  • 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 Montana. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

FAQ

How long does a move from Idaho to Billings take?

The time frame for a move from Idaho to Billings, MT, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.

Obviously, the further upstate you are in Idaho, the longer the drive time to Billings will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.

With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Billings from Idaho can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Idaho to Billings?

Because of the 503-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Idaho to Billings as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Billings, MT?

With the summer highs of 88ºF and the winter lows of 16ºF, most people move to Billings from Idaho during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Billings during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources