Moving from Billings, MT to Bellevue, WA
Relocating 809 mi from Billings to Bellevue is a 14h 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.
809 mi · 14h 9m by car · WA → ID → MT
Distance & route
| Route through | WA → ID → MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 2, US 395 |
| Major cities en route | Seattle, Everett, Tacoma, Kent, Renton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Bellevue | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 18.8% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 18.8% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $392,209 to $1,516,154 moving to Bellevue.
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Bellevue -2.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Billings | Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 37°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 77°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | 3.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 37.8" |
Expect 5.0°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Bellevue averages 3.8 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, SEATTLE SAND PT WSFO, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 151,199 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $161,300 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 38.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 36.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.46 |
Expect median household income to rise 18.8% — $71,855 → $161,300 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Bellevue MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 225,240 | $54,470 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 197,190 | $97,870 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 190,190 | $48,950 |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 171,820 | $140,760 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 167,750 | $40,980 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Montana and Washington
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Washington'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
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March — 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 — 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
- Wildfire season east of the Cascades peaks July through September; earthquake preparedness is standard west of the mountains.
- 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 Washington after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Billings to Bellevue?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 809 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Billings and Bellevue?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.2°F in Bellevue vs 48.2°F in Billings (5.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 3.8 in vs 57.4 in. Annual precipitation: 37.8 in vs 14.3 in.
How far is Bellevue, WA from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 809 mi and the route typically takes 14h 9m via I 90 and US 2. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Bellevue more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Bellevue is 18.8% higher than Billings (111.133 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Bellevue?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $161,300 in Bellevue vs $71,855 in Billings — a 124.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Bellevue compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Bellevue MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Bellevue compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,516,154 in Bellevue vs $392,209 in Billings — a 286.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Billings.
City profiles: Billings, MT · Bellevue, WA.