Moving from Billings, MT to West Valley City, UT
Relocating 558 mi from Billings to West Valley City is a 10h 9m 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.
558 mi · 10h 9m by car · UT → ID → MT
Distance & route
| Route through | UT → ID → MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 191, I 15, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | West Jordan, Salt Lake City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | West Valley City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 100.868 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 79 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 96.446 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 123.311 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 7.9% above Billings — 93.526 → 100.868 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
7.9% jump on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, West Valley City +1.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Billings | West Valley City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 24°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 94°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | 51.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 15.5" |
Expect 6.5°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Heavy-snow city: expect 51.9 in of snowfall annually at West Valley City.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, SALT LAKE CITY INTL AP, UT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | West Valley City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 137,955 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $88,604 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 30.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 12% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 3.55 |
Expect median household income to rise 7.9% — $71,855 → $88,604 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in West Valley City MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 126,170 | $43,640 |
| Management Occupations | 69,550 | $106,250 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 66,590 | $43,680 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 64,620 | $69,990 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 62,830 | $40,320 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and Utah
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Utah'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
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- 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
- Winter gear first: West Valley City averages 51.9 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in West Valley City average 94°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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 Utah after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is West Valley City, UT from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 558 mi and the route typically takes 10h 9m via US 191 and I 15. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in West Valley City compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,440 in the West Valley City MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 803,800 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Billings and West Valley City?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.7°F in West Valley City vs 48.2°F in Billings (6.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 51.9 in vs 57.4 in. Annual precipitation: 15.5 in vs 14.3 in.
How does household income compare in Billings vs West Valley City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,604 in West Valley City vs $71,855 in Billings — a 23.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Billings to West Valley City?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 558 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in West Valley City compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $471,862 in West Valley City vs $392,209 in Billings — a 20.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is West Valley City more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in West Valley City is 7.9% higher than Billings (100.868 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 · West Valley City, UT.