Factors influencing moving costs from Baton Rouge to Billings
What to know before moving from Baton Rouge to Billings
Moving from Baton Rouge to Billings comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Billings is generally more expensive than Baton Rouge, itโs 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:
Baton Rouge | Billings | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,250 | $1,300 |
Average home value | $213,584 | $381,592 |
Average income (per capita) | $60,369 | $63,515 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,638 | $1,773 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,941 | $4,536 |
Unemployment rate | 7.5% | 4.1% |
Sales tax | 9.5% | 0.0% |
State income tax | 4.25% | 6.75% |
- Rent prices in Billings are 4% higher than in Baton Rouge, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Baton Rouge.
Home prices in Billings are 78.7% higher than in Baton Rouge. - Income in Billings is 5.2% higher than in Baton Rouge, 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 8.2% higher than in Baton Rouge. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Billings, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Billings is 15.1% higher than in Baton Rouge.
- The unemployment rate in Billings is 45.33% lower than in Baton Rouge.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Billings, since the cityโs sales taxes in Billings are 100.00% lower than in Baton Rouge.
- State income taxes in Billings are 58.82% higher than in Baton Rouge.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,247.25 in Billings to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Baton Rouge.
How life is different in Baton Rouge vs. Billings
Billings | Baton Rouge | |
---|---|---|
Population | 184,167 | 222,191 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 4 |
Walkability score | 35 | 39 |
Bike friendliness score | 47 | 44 |
Crime Index | 48.63 | 2.0 |
Safety Index | 50.37 | 30.74 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Billings's population is about 17% less than Baton Rouge.
- Billings's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Baton Rouge's higher score of 4.
- Billings is less walkable than Baton Rouge with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Baton Rouge's 39 out of 100.
- Both Billings and Baton Rouge have the same bike-friendliness score of 44 out of 100, meaning Billings is about as safe for cyclists as Baton Rouge. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
- Billings's crime rate is higher than Baton Rouge with a score of 48.63 compared to Baton Rouge's 2.0. This means that Billings neighborhoods are safer than 48.63% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Baton Rouge neighborhoods are safer than 2.0%.
- Billings is considered to be safer than Baton Rouge with a safety index of 50.37 vs Baton Rouge's 30.74.
- Air quality in Billings is good, and in Baton Rouge it's good.
Other things to consider for your Baton Rouge 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- 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).Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Montana moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Montana doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Billings. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Billings
Ready to relocate to " Magic City"? Here are some of the top 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
After settling into your new Montana home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Billings has lots to offer, no matter what youโre 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 cityโs 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 Baton Rouge to Billings?
The best time to move from Baton Rouge to Billings is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Baton Rouge.
When is the cheapest time to move from Baton Rouge to Billings?
Because most people are moving from Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge to Billings take?
The 1,774-mile move from Baton Rouge, LA, to Billings, MT, takes five to 16 days. Some Baton Rouge movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Billings.