Moving from Billings, MT to Tacoma, WA
The drive from Billings, MT to Tacoma, WA runs 832 mi β about 14h 38m 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.
832 mi Β· 14h 38m by car Β· WA β ID β MT
Distance & route
| Route through | WA β ID β MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 2, US 395 |
| Major cities en route | Kent, Seattle, Renton, Bellevue, Spokane |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Tacoma | 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 |
Moderate COL step-up: 18.8% pricier overall in Tacoma than Billings on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Tacoma typical home at $493,840 is 18.8% above Billings at $392,209 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Tacoma -0.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Billings | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| 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" | 40.8" |
Climate warms by 5.5Β°F on the annual average β 48.2Β°F β 53.7Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, TACOMA #1, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 220,482 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $83,857 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 37.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 21% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.41 |
Income steps up 18.8%: $71,855 in Billings vs $83,857 in Tacoma.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tacoma 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
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β 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 β 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 much do homes cost in Tacoma compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $493,840 in Tacoma vs $392,209 in Billings β a 25.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Tacoma?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $83,857 in Tacoma vs $71,855 in Billings β a 16.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Billings to Tacoma?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 832 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Tacoma more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tacoma is 18.8% higher than Billings (111.133 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Tacoma compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Tacoma 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.
How far is Tacoma, WA from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 832 mi and the route typically takes 14h 38m via I 90 and US 2. 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· Tacoma, WA.