Best overall value
Local moving companies in Columbia
- Ballantyne & Beyond Moving: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Smooth Move: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Reign Moving Solutions: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Gentlemen Movers Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 9784-A
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 2557751
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9494-C
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9823
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2823802
Alternate Names: Go Smooth Move, LLC, Carolina Movers, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9756
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 1442337
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Grandfather clocks
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Key factors that influence moving costs from Columbia to Billings
What to know before moving from Columbia to Billings
Moving from Columbia to Billings means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Columbia than in Billings, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Columbia compares to Billings so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Columbia | Billings | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,447 | $1,300 |
| Average home value | $220,612 | $381,592 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $63,515 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,956 | $1,773 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,274 | $4,536 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 6.75% |
- Rent prices in Billings are 10% lower than in Columbia, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
- The home prices in Billings are 73.0% higher than in Columbia, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- Income in Billings is 1.8% lower than in Columbia, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Billings — including Billings Clinic, First Interstate BancSystem, and The Waggoners Trucking — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Billings. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 9.4% lower than in Columbia.
- If you're moving your family to Billings, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Billings is 6.1% higher than in Columbia.
- The unemployment rate in Billings is 21.15% lower than in Columbia.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Billings, since the city's sales taxes in Billings are 100.00% lower than in Columbia.
- One perk of moving to Billings is paying less in state income taxes, which are 3.57% lower than in Columbia.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,719.33 in Billings to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbia.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Billings
| Billings | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 184,167 | 136,632 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 47 | 35 |
| Crime Index | 48.63 | 3.0 |
| Safety Index | 50.37 | 48.39 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Billings is about 35% greater than Columbia, 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.
- Getting around Billings without a car might be more difficult than in Columbia. Billings has a public transportation score of 3 out of 10, whereas Columbia is ranked 5. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- You'll find Billings to be about as walkable as Columbia. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 35 and 35 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- If cycling is your thing, Billings is considered more bike-friendly than Columbia in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Billings has a bike-friendliness score of 47 out of 100, while Columbia is rated as 35 out of 100.
- The crime rate in Billings is higher than in Columbia, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 48.63 in Billings, it is 3.0 in Columbia. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
- Billings is generally as safe as Columbia, 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 Billings and Columbia 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 Columbia 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Montana moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Montana does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Billings. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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 will help you have the peace of mind that you\'ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Billings
Now that you'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 getting comfortable in your new Montana home, it's time to see what Billings is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- 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 city's The Rimrocks, ZooMontana, DanWalt Gardens, and Pictograph Cave State Park — among other sites — 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 Columbia to Billings?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Columbia to Billings You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Columbia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbia to Billings?
Because spring and fall moves from Columbia to Billings are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Columbia to Billings take?
The 2,031-mile journey from Columbia, SC to Billings, MT, typically takes six to 17 days. Some movers in Columbia offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Billings.
