Factors influencing moving costs from Tacoma to Billingstoggle

The cost of Tacoma 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 Tacoma to Billings can be as low as $1,677 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 9,308.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Tacoma, 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 $699 to $1,656. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Tacoma to Billings

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

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

Tacoma Billings
Average rent cost $1,650 $1,300
Average home value $477,289 $381,592
Average income (per capita) $73,341 $63,515
Cost of living (single person) $4,133 $1,773
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,260 $4,536
Unemployment rate 7.3% 4.1%
Sales tax 10.3% 0.0%
State income tax 0.0% 6.75%
  • Rent prices in Billings are 21% lower than in Tacoma, 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 20.1% lower than in Tacoma.
  • Income in Billings is 13.4% lower than in Tacoma, 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 57.1% lower than in Tacoma. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Billings is 37.5% lower than in Tacoma.
  • The unemployment rate in Billings is 43.84% lower than in Tacoma.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Billings, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Billings are 100.00% lower than in Tacoma.
  • State income taxes in Billings are 6.75% higher than in Tacoma.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,286.96 in Billings to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tacoma.

How life is different in Tacoma vs. Billings

Billings Tacoma
Population 184,167 223,968
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 6
Walkability score 35 54
Bike friendliness score 47 48
Crime Index 48.63 55.55
Safety Index 50.37 44.45
Air Quality Good Good
  • Billings's population is about 18% less than Tacoma.
  • Billings's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Tacoma's higher score of 6.
  • Billings is less walkable than Tacoma with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Tacoma's 54 out of 100.
  • Both Billings and Tacoma have the same bike-friendliness score of 48 out of 100, meaning Billings is about as safe for cyclists as Tacoma. 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.
  • Billings's crime rate is lower than Tacoma with a score of 48.63 compared to Tacoma's 55.55. This means that Billings neighborhoods are safer than 48.63% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tacoma neighborhoods are safer than 55.55%.
  • Billings is considered to be safer than Tacoma with a safety index of 50.37 vs Tacoma's 44.45.
  • Air quality in Billings is good, and in Tacoma it's good.

Other things to consider for your Tacoma 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

After getting comfortable in your new Montana home, itโ€™s time to see what Billings is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ€” thereโ€™s plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Billings include museums and art 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€” and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
  • Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Montana State Billings Yellowjackets (GNAC) game.

FAQ

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

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

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

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

The 831-mile move from Tacoma, WA, to Billings, MT, takes two to seven days. Some Tacoma 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