Factors influencing moving costs from Buffalo to Billingstoggle

The cost of Buffalo 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 Buffalo to Billings can be as low as $1,294 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 10,711.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Buffalo, 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 $1,320 to $3,217. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Buffalo to Billings

Moving from Buffalo 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 Buffalo than in Billings, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

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

Buffalo Billings
Average rent cost $1,200 $1,300
Average home value $213,418 $381,592
Average income (per capita) $63,443 $63,515
Cost of living (single person) $2,589 $1,773
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,720 $4,536
Unemployment rate 9.5% 4.1%
Sales tax 8.75% 0.0%
State income tax 10.9% 6.75%
  • Rent prices in Billings are 8% higher than in Buffalo, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Buffalo.
    Home prices in Billings are 78.8% higher than in Buffalo.
  • Income is the same in Billings and Buffalo. 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 31.5% lower than in Buffalo. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Billings is 20.7% lower than in Buffalo.
  • The unemployment rate in Billings is 56.84% lower than in Buffalo.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Billings, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Billings are 100.00% lower than in Buffalo.
  • One perk of moving to Billings is paying less in state income taxes, which are 38.07% lower than in Buffalo.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,054.46 in Billings to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Buffalo.

How life is different in Buffalo vs. Billings

Billings Buffalo
Population 184,167 278,349
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 7
Walkability score 35 67
Bike friendliness score 47 63
Crime Index 48.63 8.0
Safety Index 50.37 53.55
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Billings's population is about 34% less than Buffalo.
  • Billings's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Buffalo's higher score of 7.
  • Billings is less walkable than Buffalo with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Buffalo's 67 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 Buffalo, which has a score of 63 out of 100.
  • Billings's crime rate is higher than Buffalo with a score of 48.63 compared to Buffalo's 8.0. This means that Billings neighborhoods are safer than 48.63% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0%.
  • Billings and Buffalo are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Billings is good, and in Buffalo it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Buffalo 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • 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). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Montana moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Montana, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toBillings Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Billings

Now that youโ€™ve chosen " Magic City" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Billings to check out.

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 Buffalo to Billings?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Buffalo to Billings?

Because most people are moving from Buffalo 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 Buffalo to Billings take?

The 1,776-mile move from Buffalo, NY, to Billings, MT, takes five to 16 days. Some Buffalo 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