Moving from Billings, MT to Spokane Valley, WA
The drive from Billings, MT to Spokane Valley, WA runs 531 mi β about 9h 2m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
531 mi Β· 9h 2m 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 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Spokane Valley | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 100.346 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 91.196 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 105.028 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 97.059 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 93.526 in Billings to 100.346 in Spokane Valley, a 7.3% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Home prices line up β $392,209 vs $408,888 on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Spokane Valley +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Billings | Spokane Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 17.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, SPOKANE FELTS FLD, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Spokane Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 105,460 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $70,722 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 37.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 16.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.47 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Spokane Valley MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 31,380 | $46,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 23,780 | $38,530 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 22,620 | $44,880 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 22,480 | $35,500 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 17,820 | $95,340 |
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 the job market in Spokane Valley compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,920 in the Spokane Valley MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 255,160 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Spokane Valley more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Spokane Valley is 7.3% higher than Billings (100.346 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Spokane Valley?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $70,722 in Spokane Valley vs $71,855 in Billings β a 1.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Spokane Valley compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $408,888 in Spokane Valley vs $392,209 in Billings β a 4.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Billings to Spokane Valley?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 531 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Spokane Valley, WA from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 531 mi and the route typically takes 9h 2m via I 90 and US 191. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Billings.
City profiles: Billings, MT Β· Spokane Valley, WA.