($1,580) Movers From Billings, MT to Seattle, WA

What to know before moving from Billings to Seattle

Moving from Billings to Seattle comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Seattle is generally more expensive than Billings, it’s 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:

• Rent prices in Seattle are 52% higher than in Billings, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Billings.
  Home prices in Seattle are 120.7% higher than in Billings.
• Income in Seattle is 22.6% higher than in Billings, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Seattle include Amazon.com, Starbucks, and Costco Wholesale.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Seattle, since the cost of living for a single person in Seattle is 110.9% higher than in Billings. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re moving your family to Seattle, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Seattle is 116.1% higher than in Billings.
• The unemployment rate in Seattle is 17.07% higher than in Billings.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Seattle, since the city’s sales taxes in Seattle are 10.35% higher than in Billings.
• One perk of moving to Seattle is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Billings.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $6,328.26 in Seattle to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Billings.

How life is different in Billings vs. Seattle

• The population of Seattle is about 300% 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.
• Seattle offers better access to buses and trains than Billings, based on public transportation ratings. Seattle has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 3 in Billings. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
• Living in Seattle means you’ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Billings. Seattle is considered more walkable than Billings, with a score of 74 out of 100 versus 35 out of 100 in Billings. A city’s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
• If cycling is your thing, Seattle 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. Seattle has a bike-friendliness score of 71 out of 100, while Billings is rated as 47 out of 100.
• The crime rate in Seattle is higher than in Billings, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 58.88 in Seattle, it is 48.63 in Billings. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city’s crime levels.
• Seattle is generally as safe as Billings, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
• The air quality in Seattle 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. Seattle move

• Weather: Although Seattle has a reputation for frequent rain, the climate in Seattle is very unlikely to affect your 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: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can check the status of a Washington moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: Washington doesn\’t require moving permits, but it\’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. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Seattle. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers' insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
• Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Seattle

Ready to relocate to "Emerald City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Seattle.

Helpful moving resources