Moving from Spokane, WA to Billings, MT
The drive from Spokane, WA to Billings, MT runs 541 mi β about 9h 14m 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.
541 mi Β· 9h 14m 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 | Spokane Valley |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Spokane | 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 on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Home prices line up β $395,325 vs $392,209 on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Spokane 0.0%, Billings +1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Spokane | 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 | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 229,228 | 118,321 |
| Median household income | $65,745 | $71,855 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.5% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.37 | 2.35 |
Income steps up 6.8%: $65,745 in Spokane vs $71,855 in Billings.
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
- 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
- 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
When is the best time to move from Spokane to Billings?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 541 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Billings more expensive than Spokane?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Billings is 6.8% lower than Spokane (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 vs Billings?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,855 in Billings vs $65,745 in Spokane β a 9.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Billings compared to Spokane?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $392,209 in Billings vs $395,325 in Spokane β a 0.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Billings compare to Spokane?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,000 in the Billings MSA vs $48,920 in the Spokane 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 far is Billings, MT from Spokane, WA?
The driving distance is 541 mi and the route typically takes 9h 14m 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 Spokane.
City profiles: Spokane, WA Β· Billings, MT.