Chicago, IL to Billings, MT Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Chicago to Billings typically costs $3,000–$6,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,252 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Chicago to Billings
Moving from Chicago, IL to Billings, MT typically costs $3,000–$6,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,252-mile move from Chicago to Billings, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 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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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $5,068 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 18, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Chicago 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 $2,300, but larger homes can run up to $9,500.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Chicago.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($900–$2,500) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Billings, MT to Chicago, IL guide.
Best Chicago to Billings movers by type
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Best professional movers from Chicago to Billings
For a stress-free interstate move from Chicago 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 IL→MT movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 100 Illinois 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 Chicago to Billings
Many movers find Billings easier on the wallet than Chicago - roughly 51% less for singles and 51% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,773 for one person in Billings versus $3,648 in Chicago. For a family of four, it's $4,536 compared with $9,266.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Chicago | Billings | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $1,150 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $2,125 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $381,592 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $63,515 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $1,773 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $4,536 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 6.75% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 36% lower in Billings than in Chicago, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 29% higher in Billings than in Chicago.
- It's important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 11% less in Billings than in Chicago.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Billings, where the cost of living for a single person is 51% less than in Chicago.
- 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 51% less than in Chicago.
- Billings experiences an unemployment rate that is about 54% lower than that of Chicago. 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 Chicago. This can be especially helpful if you make frequent or larger purchases.
- Income taxes are 36% higher in Montana compared to Illinois. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state's tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Chicago with Billings:
| Living Expense | Chicago | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | $187.19 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $49.20 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $3.10 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $4.33 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 | $48.33 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Chicago than in Billings.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Chicago than in Billings.
- Eggs cost more in Chicago than in Billings.
- Bread costs less in Chicago than in Billings.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Chicago than in Billings.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chicago than in Billings.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chicago than in Billings.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Billings
| Chicago | Billings | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 184,167 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 47 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 48.63 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 50.37 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Billings's population is about 93% less than Chicago.
- Billings's public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Chicago's score of 9.
- Billings is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 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 Chicago, which has a score of 72.
- Billings's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 48.63 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Billings neighborhoods are safer than 48.63% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Billings is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 50.37 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Billings is Good, and in Chicago it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago 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 Chicago to Billings?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Chicago to Billings are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Chicago are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Billings?
Because spring and fall moves from Chicago 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 Chicago to Billings take?
A move of 1,252 miles from Chicago, IL to Billings, MT generally takes three to eight days. Movers in Chicago sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Billings is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Chicago?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 2 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Chicago offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 54 movers in Chicago have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 40 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across IL, there are 70 piano movers and 48 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.
