Moving from Tacoma, WA to Billings, MT
The drive from Tacoma, WA to Billings, MT 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
| Tacoma | 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 |
Overall prices in Billings are 15.8% below Tacoma β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Billings typical home at $392,209 is 15.8% under Tacoma at $493,840 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Tacoma -0.9%, Billings +1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tacoma | 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 | 40.8" | 14.3" |
Climate cools by 5.5Β°F on the annual average β 53.7Β°F β 48.2Β°F.
Significant snow at the destination: Billings sees 57.4 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TACOMA #1, WA US, BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tacoma | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 220,482 | 118,321 |
| Median household income | $83,857 | $71,855 |
| Median age | 37.3 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.35 |
Income steps down 15.8%: $83,857 in Tacoma 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 Tacoma to Billings?
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.
How does the job market in Billings compare to Tacoma?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,000 in the Billings MSA vs $65,260 in the Tacoma 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 Tacoma, WA?
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.
How does household income compare in Tacoma vs Billings?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,855 in Billings vs $83,857 in Tacoma β a 14.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Billings compared to Tacoma?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $392,209 in Billings vs $493,840 in Tacoma β a 20.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Billings more expensive than Tacoma?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Billings is 15.8% lower than Tacoma (93.526 vs 111.133, 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 Tacoma.
City profiles: Tacoma, WA Β· Billings, MT.