Best overall value
Key factors that impact the cost of your Billings to Scottsdale move
What to know before moving from Billings to Scottsdale
Moving from Billings to Scottsdale comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Scottsdale is generally more expensive than Billings, 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:
| Billings | Scottsdale | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,300 | $3,300 |
| Average home value | $381,592 | $827,308 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,515 | $64,533 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,773 | $5,753 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,536 | $4,570 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 4.7% |
| Sales tax | 0.0% | 8.05% |
| State income tax | 6.75% | 2.5% |
- Rent prices in Scottsdale are 154% higher than in Billings, 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 Billings.
Home prices in Scottsdale are 116.8% higher than in Billings. - Income in Scottsdale is 1.6% higher than in Billings, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Scottsdale include Honor Health, CVS Health, and Scottsdale Unified School District.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Scottsdale, since the cost of living for a single person in Scottsdale is 224.5% higher than in Billings. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family is the same in Scottsdale and Billings.
- The unemployment rate in Scottsdale is 14.63% higher than in Billings.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Scottsdale, since the cityโs sales taxes in Scottsdale are 8.05% higher than in Billings.
- One perk of moving to Scottsdale is paying less in state income taxes, which are 62.96% lower than in Billings.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $9,734.35 in Scottsdale to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Billings.
How life is different in Billings vs. Scottsdale
| Scottsdale | Billings | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 241,361 | 184,167 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 32 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 56 | 47 |
| Crime Index | 25.8 | 48.63 |
| Safety Index | 74.2 | 50.37 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Scottsdale is about 31% greater than Billings, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Scottsdale offers better access to buses and trains than Billings, based on public transportation ratings. Scottsdale has a transit score of 5 out of 10 compared to 3 in Billings. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Youโll find Scottsdale to be about as walkable as Billings. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 32 and 35 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- If cycling is your thing, Scottsdale is considered more bike-friendly than Billings in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Scottsdale has a bike-friendliness score of 56 out of 100, while Billings is rated as 47 out of 100.
- Scottsdale has a lower crime rate than Billings based on scores of 25.8 and Billings's 48.63, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Scottsdale than in Billings, based on Scottsdaleโs safety index of 74.2 versus 50.37 for Billings. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Scottsdale and Billings is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Billings vs. Scottsdale move
- Weather: Extreme heat may cause discomfort if you choose to move in the summer. Pay close attention to heat sensitive household items such as instruments, antique furniture, and electronics.
- 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: Though Arizona is largely an โunregulatedโ state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Arizona moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Arizona 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 Scottsdale. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectivenessโoffered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Scottsdale
Ready to relocate to "West's Most Western Town"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Scottsdale.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Old Town Scottsdale
- Gainey Ranch
- Kierland
- Shea Corridor
- South Scottsdale
Best neighborhoods for families
- McCormick Ranch
- DC Ranch
- Grayhawk
- Troon North
- South Scottsdale
Things to do in Scottsdale
After settling into your new Arizona home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Scottsdale has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Scottsdale is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West, Penske Racing Museum, Cosanti, Wonderspaces Arizona, and Main Street Arts District.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Chaparral Park, Xeriscape Garden, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, and Scottsdale Artists' School Rose Garden 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 Scottsdale Scorpions (MiLB) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Billings to Scottsdale?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Billings to Scottsdale are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Billings are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Billings to Scottsdale?
With many people choosing to move from Billings to Scottsdale in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Billings to Scottsdale take?
Moving from Billings, MT to Scottsdale, AZ covers 1,219 miles and usually takes two to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Billings movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Scottsdale.
