Factors influencing moving costs from Billings to Columbus
What to know before moving from Billings to Columbus
Moving from Billings to Columbus comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Columbus 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 | Columbus | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,300 | $1,441 |
Average home value | $381,592 | $238,832 |
Average income (per capita) | $63,515 | $65,075 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,773 | $2,784 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,536 | $7,249 |
Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 5.7% |
Sales tax | 0.0% | 7.5% |
State income tax | 6.75% | 3.5% |
- Rent prices in Columbus are 11% higher than in Billings, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Columbus.
Home prices in Columbus are 37.4% lower than in Billings. - Income in Columbus is 2.5% higher than in Billings, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Columbus include Ohio State University, The State of Ohio, and JPMorgan Chase.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Columbus, since the cost of living for a single person in Columbus is 57.0% higher than in Billings. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Columbus, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 59.8% higher than in Billings.
- The unemployment rate in Columbus is 39.02% higher than in Billings.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Columbus, since the cityโs sales taxes in Columbus are 7.50% higher than in Billings.
- One perk of moving to Columbus is paying less in state income taxes, which are 48.15% lower than in Billings.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,710.66 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Billings.
How life is different in Billings vs. Columbus
Columbus | Billings | |
---|---|---|
Population | 905,748 | 184,167 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 3 |
Walkability score | 41 | 35 |
Bike friendliness score | 48 | 47 |
Crime Index | 49.65 | 48.63 |
Safety Index | 50.35 | 50.37 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Columbus's population is about 392% greater than Billings.
- Columbus's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Billings's lower score of 3.
- Columbus is more walkable than Billings with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Billings's 35 out of 100.
- Both Columbus and Billings have the same bike-friendliness score of 47 out of 100, meaning Columbus is about as safe for cyclists as Billings. 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.
- Columbus and Billings have a similar crime rate.
- Columbus and Billings are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Billings it's good.
Other things to consider for your Billings vs. Columbus move
- Weather: Columbus doesn't get the snowfall that more northern Ohio gets but it does have some of the severe weather that's common in the midwest such as strong lightning storms and hail. In general, you can expect all 4 seasons in Columbus so take that into account when choosing the time of the year that you move.
- 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: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company youโll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโre dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Ohio moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Ohio 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 Columbus. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives 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 Columbus
Ready to relocate to "Arch City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Columbus.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Short North
- Clintonville
- Ashville
- Dublin
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bexley
- Clintonville
- Gahanna
- Hilliard
- Upper Arlington
Things to do in Columbus
After settling into your new Ohio home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Columbus has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Columbus is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Beeler Gallery, Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, Central Ohio Fire Museum, Columbus Historical Society, and Columbus Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Scioto Mile, Topiary Garden, and Schiller 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 Columbus Crew (MLS), Ohio State Buckeyes (NCAA), Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL), or Columbus Clippers (AAAE) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Billings to Columbus?
The best time to move from Billings to Columbus is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Billings.
When is the cheapest time to move from Billings to Columbus?
Because most people are moving from Billings to Columbus 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 Billings to Columbus take?
The 1,581-mile move from Billings, MT, to Columbus, OH, takes four to 15 days. Some Billings movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbus.