Moving from Renton, WA to Billings, MT
Relocating 817 mi from Renton to Billings is a 14h 16m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
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
| Renton | Billings | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 93.526 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 72.437 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 96.006 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 77.364 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 15.8% cheaper overall in Billings than Renton on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
15.8% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Renton -2.1%, Billings +1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Renton | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 77Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 57.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 14.3" |
Expect 5.4Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Heavy-snow city: expect 57.4 in of snowfall annually at Billings.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RENTON MUNI AP, WA US, BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Renton | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 105,279 | 118,321 |
| Median household income | $96,626 | $71,855 |
| Median age | 36.5 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.55 | 2.35 |
Expect median household income to fall 15.8% β $96,626 β $71,855 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Billings MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 11,390 | $41,920 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,620 | $28,940 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 9,260 | $36,980 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 8,020 | $43,020 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 6,880 | $79,030 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Washington and Montana
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Montana'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
- Winter gear first: Billings averages 57.4 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Dry climate: Billings sees only 14.3 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Montana after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Billings more expensive than Renton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Billings is 15.8% lower than Renton (93.526 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Billings compared to Renton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $392,209 in Billings vs $764,375 in Renton β a 48.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Billings compare to Renton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,000 in the Billings MSA vs $65,260 in the Renton MSA, on total employment of 89,600 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Billings, MT from Renton, WA?
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.
How does household income compare in Renton vs Billings?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,855 in Billings vs $96,626 in Renton β a 25.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Renton to Billings?
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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Renton.
City profiles: Renton, WA Β· Billings, MT.