Factors influencing moving costs from Ann Arbor to Billingstoggle

The cost of Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor to Billings can be as low as $1,492 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 10,211.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Ann Arbor, 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 $1,069 to $2,610. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Ann Arbor to Billings

Moving from Ann Arbor to Billings means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Ann Arbor than in Billings, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Ann Arbor compares to Billings so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Ann Arbor Billings
Average rent cost $2,260 $1,300
Average home value $474,909 $381,592
Average income (per capita) $66,964 $63,515
Cost of living (single person) $2,176 $1,773
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,344 $4,536
Unemployment rate 3.5% 4.1%
Sales tax 6.0% 0.0%
State income tax 4.25% 6.75%
  • Rent prices in Billings are 43% lower than in Ann Arbor, 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 Billings.
    Home prices in Billings are 19.6% lower than in Ann Arbor.
  • Income in Billings is 5.2% lower than in Ann Arbor, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Billings include Billings Clinic, First Interstate BancSystem, and The Waggoners Trucking.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Billings is 18.5% lower than in Ann Arbor. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Billings is 15.1% lower than in Ann Arbor.
  • The unemployment rate in Billings is 17.14% higher than in Ann Arbor.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Billings, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Billings are 100.00% lower than in Ann Arbor.
  • State income taxes in Billings are 58.82% higher than in Ann Arbor.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,444.39 in Billings to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Ann Arbor.

How life is different in Ann Arbor vs. Billings

Billings Ann Arbor
Population 184,167 123,851
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 7
Walkability score 35 52
Bike friendliness score 47 71
Crime Index 48.63 31.0
Safety Index 50.37 79.18
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Billings's population is about 49% greater than Ann Arbor.
  • Billings's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Ann Arbor's higher score of 7.
  • Billings is less walkable than Ann Arbor with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Ann Arbor's 52 out of 100.
  • Billings has a bike-friendliness score 47 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Ann Arbor, which has a score of 71 out of 100.
  • Billings's crime rate is higher than Ann Arbor with a score of 48.63 compared to Ann Arbor's 31.0. This means that Billings neighborhoods are safer than 48.63% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0%.
  • Billings is considered to be less safe than Ann Arbor with a score of 50.37 vs Ann Arbor's 79.18.
  • Air quality in Billings is good, and in Ann Arbor it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Ann Arbor 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\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s 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. Youโ€™ll 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, 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 Ann Arbor to Billings?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Ann Arbor to Billings?

Because most people are moving from Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor to Billings take?

The 1,489-mile move from Ann Arbor, MI, to Billings, MT, takes three to eight days. Some Ann Arbor 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