Factors influencing moving costs from Providence to Billingstoggle

The cost of Providence 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 Providence to Billings can be as low as $1,403 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 11,575.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Providence, 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 $1,541 to $3,886. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Providence to Billings

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

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

Providence Billings
Average rent cost $2,200 $1,300
Average home value $398,785 $381,592
Average income (per capita) $69,956 $63,515
Cost of living (single person) $2,493 $1,773
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,406 $4,536
Unemployment rate 8.6% 4.1%
Sales tax 7.0% 0.0%
State income tax 5.99% 6.75%
  • Rent prices in Billings are 41% lower than in Providence, 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 4.3% lower than in Providence.
  • Income in Billings is 9.2% lower than in Providence, 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 28.9% lower than in Providence. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Billings is 16.1% lower than in Providence.
  • The unemployment rate in Billings is 52.33% lower than in Providence.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Billings, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Billings are 100.00% lower than in Providence.
  • State income taxes in Billings are 12.69% higher than in Providence.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,133.57 in Billings to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Providence.

How life is different in Providence vs. Billings

Billings Providence
Population 184,167 190,934
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 7
Walkability score 35 76
Bike friendliness score 47 61
Crime Index 48.63 49.84
Safety Index 50.37 50.16
Air Quality Good Good
  • Billings's population is about the same as Providence.
  • Billings's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Providence's higher score of 7.
  • Billings is less walkable than Providence with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Providence's 76 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 Providence, which has a score of 61 out of 100.
  • Billings and Providence have a similar crime rate.
  • Billings and Providence are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Billings is good, and in Providence it's good.

Other things to consider for your Providence 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: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • 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). Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Montana, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Montana doesnโ€™t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Billings without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Billings

With your sights set on " Magic City", these are some of the most popular 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

Now that you've made the move to Montana, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Billings. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Billings, such as 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€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Montana State Billings Yellowjackets (GNAC) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Providence to Billings?

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

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

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

The 2,200-mile move from Providence, RI, to Billings, MT, takes six to 17 days. Some Providence 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