Moving from Spokane Valley, WA to Billings, MT
The drive from Spokane Valley, WA to Billings, MT 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
| Spokane Valley | Billings | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.346 | 93.526 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.196 | 72.437 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.028 | 96.006 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.059 | 77.364 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 100.346 to 93.526, putting Billings roughly 6.8% below Spokane Valley on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Home prices line up β $408,888 vs $392,209 on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Spokane Valley +0.7%, Billings +1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Spokane Valley | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 57.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 17.4" | 14.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 57.4 in of snowfall annually at Billings.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SPOKANE FELTS FLD, WA US, BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Spokane Valley | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 105,460 | 118,321 |
| Median household income | $70,722 | $71,855 |
| Median age | 37.6 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.7% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.35 |
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 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
How far is Billings, MT from Spokane Valley, WA?
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.
When is the best time to move from Spokane Valley to Billings?
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 does the job market in Billings compare to Spokane Valley?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,000 in the Billings MSA vs $48,920 in the Spokane Valley MSA, on total employment of 89,600 and 255,160 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Billings compared to Spokane Valley?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $392,209 in Billings vs $408,888 in Spokane Valley β a 4.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Billings more expensive than Spokane Valley?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Billings is 6.8% lower than Spokane Valley (93.526 vs 100.346, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Spokane Valley vs Billings?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,855 in Billings vs $70,722 in Spokane Valley β a 1.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Spokane Valley.
City profiles: Spokane Valley, WA Β· Billings, MT.