Moving from Billings, MT to Renton, WA
It is 817 mi between Billings and Renton β roughly 14h 16m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
817 mi Β· 14h 16m by car Β· MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 191, US 212 |
| Major cities en route | Spokane Valley, Spokane, Bellevue, Seattle, Everett |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Renton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
Renton runs about 18.8% more expensive overall than Billings β RPP 93.526 β 111.133.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $392,209 in Billings to $764,375 in Renton, a 18.8% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Renton -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Billings | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 34.7" |
Annual temperature rises 5.4Β°F moving to Renton per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, RENTON MUNI AP, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 105,279 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $96,626 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 36.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 25.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.55 |
Renton households earn about 18.8% more than Billings at the median β $71,855 β $96,626 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Renton MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 225,240 | $54,470 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 197,190 | $97,870 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 190,190 | $48,950 |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 171,820 | $140,760 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 167,750 | $40,980 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and Washington
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Washington's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season east of the Cascades peaks July through September; earthquake preparedness is standard west of the mountains.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Washington after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Billings vs Renton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,626 in Renton vs $71,855 in Billings β a 34.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Renton compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Renton MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Billings to Renton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 817 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Renton compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $764,375 in Renton vs $392,209 in Billings β a 94.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Renton, WA from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 817 mi and the route typically takes 14h 16m via I 90 and US 191. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Renton more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Renton is 18.8% higher than Billings (111.133 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Billings.
City profiles: Billings, MT Β· Renton, WA.