Moving from Billings, MT to Seattle, WA
Relocating 819 mi from Billings to Seattle is a 14h 21m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
819 mi · 14h 21m by car · WA → ID → MT
Distance & route
| Route through | WA → ID → MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 2, US 395 |
| Major cities en route | Everett, Tacoma, Bellevue, Kent, Renton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Seattle | 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 |
Expect roughly 18.8% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 18.8% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $392,209 to $868,680 moving to Seattle.
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Seattle -2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Billings | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 37°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 77°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | 3.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 37.8" |
Expect 5.0°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Seattle averages 3.8 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, SEATTLE SAND PT WSFO, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 741,440 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $121,984 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 37.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.1 |
Expect median household income to rise 18.8% — $71,855 → $121,984 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Seattle 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March — check WSDOT mountain passes report.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms — check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
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 far is Seattle, WA from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 819 mi and the route typically takes 14h 21m via I 90 and US 2. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Seattle compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Seattle 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 Seattle?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 819 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Seattle?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $121,984 in Seattle vs $71,855 in Billings — a 69.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Seattle compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $868,680 in Seattle vs $392,209 in Billings — a 121.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Seattle more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Seattle is 18.8% higher than Billings (111.133 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Billings and Seattle?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.2°F in Seattle vs 48.2°F in Billings (5.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 3.8 in vs 57.4 in. Annual precipitation: 37.8 in vs 14.3 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Billings.
City profiles: Billings, MT · Seattle, WA.